Mansfield’s Secret Santa Appeal has been launched to ensure that every family across the district receives a gift this Christmas.
The appeal, now in its seventh year, is run by Mansfield District Council, in partnership with Mansfield Building Society, Mansfield Forward BID and other supporters.
Drop-off locations to leave donations for children of all ages and their adult carers can be found at:
- Civic Centre Cafe
- Mansfield Museum
- Mansfield Building Society
- Smyths Toys-Portland Retail Park
- The Old Town Hall
- Ravensdale Children's Centre
- Warsop Children's Centre
- Ladybrook Children's Centre
- Mansfield Woodhouse Children's Centre
- Four Seasons Shopping Centre (from Thursday 12 November 2026)
All donations of toys, gift sets, skin care products, board games, clothing, colouring books, hats and scarves, chocolates, biscuits, bath sets, male grooming sets, pyjamas and socks must be new and unused for health and safety purposes.
People can also donate cash which will be used to buy suitable gifts. Mansfield Forward BID has set up a Just Giving page (link opens in new window).
The appeal will end on Sunday 6 December 2026 after which the donations will be organised and transferred to children's centres, food clubs, refuges, schools, and charities for distribution across the district.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “With ongoing cost-of-living pressures hitting more and more families, never has this appeal been more necessary.
“For most people, Christmas is a joyful time of family gatherings, but for a growing number of families, it is a time of great financial stress or loneliness, and sadly, there are households where no one – children or adults - without this appeal, would receive a single gift during this season of giving and goodwill.
“I know the people of Mansfield are caring people and will not let this happen. I will be making my usual donation towards the Secret Santa Appeal from my Mayor's 500 Fund.
“We'd like to thank Smyth's and Linney for their continued support for our Appeal and for the donations made.”
Find out more about the appeal and Christmas in Mansfield on the council website (link opens in new window).