Burnley Together launches Christmas Gift Appeal with trolley dash at Charter Walk shopping centre
The Burnley Together Christmas Gift Appeal aims to support families who may struggle to afford gifts for their children, with a target of helping over 1,100 children across 523 families this year.
A fun and festive ‘trolley dash’ marked the launch of the 2026 Burnley Together Christmas Gift Appeal.
The event, at Charter Walk shopping centre, saw shops and businesses get involved, helping to kick-start the appeal and raise awareness of the difference local people and organisations can make by supporting families at Christmas.
The trolley was brimming with toys and gifts donated by Northern Community Bank, Boots, The Perfume Shop, Little Barista, Max Spielmann, The Entertainer and the staff of Charter Walk.
The appeal, which is championed by the Burnley Express, supports families who may otherwise struggle to afford gifts for their children. Last year, the appeal helped more than 1,100 children across 523 families, and the team hopes to reach even more families this Christmas.
Ella Roberts, who coordinates the appeal, said: “We wanted to launch the appeal in a fun way, and as Down Town is based in Charter Walk, we thought it would be great to get them involved too. We would also like to thank Scott Dawson Advertising for providing signage for the trolley.
“It was lovely to see local businesses coming together to support the appeal and help spread the word. Christmas can be a difficult time financially for some families, and every donation helps us make a difference to children across Burnley.”
Debbie Hernon, Charter Walk Shopping Centre manager, said: “We have a great community of businesses here and it was amazing to see so many of them get involved. “It’s lovely to see everyone coming together for such a worthwhile cause, and we hope the launch encourages even more people to support the appeal.”
A number of other businesses in the town have expressed an interest in donating gifts and there is still time to get involved as the closing date for donations is not until Friday, December 4.
You can donate money or new, unwrapped gifts for children and young people aged from birth to 18.
Gift cards and games are particularly welcome for teenagers. Every contribution will help Burnley Together support families who might otherwise find it difficult to provide presents on Christmas Day.
The collection points will be at Down Town, the Charter Walk Office, Burnley Central Library, Asda and Tesco.
Anyone interested in supporting the Burnley Together Christmas Gift Appeal can email [email protected] or visit www.burnleytogether.org.uk/christmas to find out more.