Christmas appeal: Cotton Court launch Barnardo's gift appeal

A heartfelt call to the community to donate unwrapped gifts or vouchers — helping ensure every child and young person supported by Barnardo’s in Lancashire receives a present this Christmas.

The annual Christmas gift appeal run by Cotton Court Business Centre with supporty from Central Radio and in aid of Barnardo’s has returned for 2025 — and this year marks its 13th season. The initiative aims to bring festive cheer to children and young people across Lancashire who are supported by the charity, particularly those who might otherwise go without at Christmas.

What started as a small local initiative has grown into a Lancashire tradition that brings businesses, individuals, and communities together — spreading a little joy where it’s needed most.

Rob Binns, Director of Cotton Court tells us:

“This annual gift appeal isn’t just a tradition for us – it’s our way of spreading joy and making a real difference,”

“Every year we’re blown away by the generosity of people who donate gifts for children and young people who might not get anything else. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Organisers are inviting businesses, local residents and friends to donate unwrapped presents or gift cards via several drop-off points across Preston and surrounding areas. Alternatively, gifts can be bought online and delivered directly to Cotton Court’s reception address.

This year, there is a special emphasis on gifts suitable for teenagers and young adults — an often-overlooked group at this time of year. Suggested items include toiletries, gift vouchers, hoodies, activewear, pyjamas, blankets, chocolates, and small home-use items such as mugs, hot water bottles or slippers. 

How You Can Get Involved:

There are three simple ways to take part:

• 🎁 Donate an unwrapped gift or gift card at one of our local drop-off points (listed below).
• 💻 Buy a gift online  and have it delivered directly to Cotton Court, Church Street, Preston, PR13BY 
• 💌 Order a gift voucher to be delivered to Cotton Court.

IMAGE: Shaun Tierney from NWAS dropping off a Christmas gift.

Supporters of last year’s campaign helped bring in thousands of gifts — making Christmas brighter for many young people across the county. The organisers say this generosity transforms what could be a difficult time for some into a celebration full of hope and warmth.

🎄 Drop-Off Locations

Unwrapped gifts can be donated at any of the following sites:

• Cotton Court Business Centre, PR1 3BY (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
• Cotton Court Leyland, PR25 2YJ (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
• Highfield Hybrid, Cottam (DM @highfieldhybrid for times)
• Fit Forward, Unit 1 Murray St, Preston PR1 7HY
• Nuffield Health and Fitness, PR5 4AW (Mon–Fri, 6am–10pm; Sat–Sun, 8am–8pm)
• Feltons Army Surplus Stores, PR1 6RE (Mon–Fri, 8am–3:45pm; Sat, 8am–1:45pm)
• Freshfield, Derby House, 12 Winckley Square, Preston PR1 3JJ
• The Aviary, Queen St, Whalley BB7 9TA
• Sweat and Sculpt Society, Unit 28, Old Moll Industrial Estate, School Ln, Bamber Bridge, PR5 6SY

🎁 Delivery address for online gifts & vouchers:
Barnardo’s Gift Appeal
Cotton Court Business Centre
Church Street, Preston, PR1 3BY

Let’s come together to make Christmas brighter for every young person in Lancashire. 💚