Christmas Campaign
Can you be a Secret Santa for a local child this Christmas?
❄️Pelican Parcels works with families experiencing poverty across Brighton & Hove. Last Christmas, we provided gifts for almost 2,500 children and their families, helping to ensure that every child experienced the magic of Christmas.
For many families, Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time. The expectation of ‘Santa’ can bring additional worry and stress when household budgets are already stretched to breaking point. That’s why every year our Secret Santa campaign supports families who would otherwise be unable to afford Christmas presents.
The ongoing cost of living crisis means we’re seeing more requests for support than ever before. As winter approaches and families face impossible choices between heating and eating, our Christmas campaign is more important than ever.
With your help, we can make sure no child wakes up without a present on Christmas morning.
An absolutely massive thank you for the amazing Christmas parcels. You have all worked tirelessly to provide Christmas magic to children and families in the city. The parcels were received with great joy and thanks from parents.
Thank you for the beautiful games. Thank you for bringing joy to the heart of my children.
How to help
We want to make sure that no child, parent or carer is left with nothing to open on Christmas Day. To make that happen, we need your help.
We’re asking people who can afford it to donate new gifts costing between £5 and £20 for children and adults. We particularly welcome toys and games that do not require batteries, helping to avoid additional costs for families.
To ensure gifts are suitable for a wide range of recipients, we ask that donations are not overly personalised. Please avoid clothing, jewellery, make-up and perfume. The exceptions are pyjamas and hat-and-scarf sets, although we’d ask that these aren’t Christmas-themed.
If you’d like some inspiration, we’ve created an Amazon Wishlist featuring items that are always popular with families.
Shop Local
Pelican Parcels is proud to partner with local independent businesses. By purchasing through these shops, you’ll support both local families and local businesses.
If you’re shopping through one of our partner stores below, your gift can be sent directly to Pelican Parcels. If you’re shopping elsewhere, please donate items unwrapped so we can match gifts to the families who need them most. We also gratefully accept donations of gift bags, wrapping paper and sticky tape, which are provided to families alongside their gifts.
Choose one of our local partners below to get started.
Timeless Toys
A wonderful independent toy shop specialising in quality wooden and plastic-free toys, games and crafts.
In-store and online: use code PELICANPARCELS for 10% off. Items purchased using the code are sent directly to Pelican Parcels.
Whirligig
The much-loved North Laine toy shop specialising in creative toys and activities that inspire children to make, create and explore.
Online: use code PELICAN for 10% off (sent direct to us). In-store: mention Pelican Parcels at the till. Or buy a voucher online or in-store so we can purchase gifts directly.
Meg & Milo
A family-run online business launched in 2020. This year, Meg & Milo will match 25% of all donations made through their store.
Use code PELICAN at checkout, your gift is delivered directly to us with no shipping charge.
Donation drop-off
We’re located near Hove Park, next to Goldstone Retail Park. You can park directly outside our doors to make donating easy. Please do not leave donations outside our building during closed hours.
You can bring your new toy donation to our warehouse during our opening times.
Pelican Parcels
Unit 1-2 Manor Industrial Estate
Newtown Road
Hove BN3 7BA
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 10am to 2pm
Last Saturday of every month, 10am to 12pm
Money donations
Not able to shop for gifts? A financial donation can make an enormous difference.
Your support allows us to respond to urgent requests, purchase gifts where there are shortages, and ensure no child misses out on Christmas.
Every donation, whatever the size, helps create joyful moments and lasting memories for local families.
Fundraise for us
Whether it’s a bake sale, quiz night, sponsored challenge or school fundraiser, every pound raised helps bring Christmas magic to local families.
Fundraising is a great way to bring people together while making a meaningful difference in your community.
Fundraising resources
Want to raise money for Pelican Parcels but not sure where to start? We’ve created a range of free fundraising resources to help you get involved at work, at school, in your community or with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a bake sale, organising a Secret Santa, or encouraging acts of kindness, our fundraising packs contain everything you need to get started.
Bake Sale Pack
Bring people together over cake and raise funds to support local families this Christmas. Includes posters, collection signs and fundraising tips.
Secret Santa Pack
A simple and festive way to fundraise with colleagues, friends or community groups. Includes a poster, guidance and printable gift draw sheets.
Kindness Tree Pack
Create a kindness tree in your workplace, school or community space and encourage people to support local families through donations and acts of generosity.
Fundraising Posters
Printable posters to help you promote your event and encourage donations from colleagues, customers, friends and neighbours.
Every pound raised helps Pelican Parcels bring Christmas magic to children, parents and carers across Brighton & Hove.
Explore more ways to help
Not sure what to donate? Check our full Wish List and item guidelines to see what's needed all year round.
Donate items
Running a workplace Christmas Secret Santa or looking to partner with us this festive season? Discover how your business can get involved.
Support us as a business