Christmas can be a difficult period for some of us at the best of times.

While the merry bells may keep ringing, the festive season is not necessarily a 'happy holidays' period for everyone.

But the human spirit of generosity can always be depended upon to offer support to those most in need, particularly during Christmas time.

In Stockport, The Giving Tree scheme continues to provide a steadying hand to the most vulnerable in the community, ensuring that nobody in need will go without a present on Christmas Day.

What is The Giving Tree?

The Giving Tree scheme was introduced by Merseyway Central Manager Victoria Nichol 2018, after she heard that some families were struggling to pay for Christmas presents.

"There would be children not getting anything for Christmas," Victoria said, "and if they did get anything through food banks or children's charities, they might not get what they wanted on their Christmas list."

The Giving Tree scheme was launched from this foundation, and has enjoyed an impressive run, with donations steadily increasing for each of its five existing years.

The scheme is simple: tags containing a child or person's age, gender, and a wish from their Christmas list are placed on trees around the Stockport borough. 

The giving tree as seen in 2023 (Images - Alasdair Perry)

These can be taken down by members of the public, who go and buy the item. They bring the gift, unwrapped, to a collection point near the tree. The presents are then distributed to the people they were intended for. Often these distributions will take place at schools or community centres.

Last year, more than 7,000 presents and essentials were provided to local children and adults across Stockport. An additional 386 warm winter items were collected which were dispersed among the most vulnerable, along with information about staying warm in the harsh winter months.

For those wishing to donate, a beautiful white tree draped in stark red tags in Merseyway Shopping Centre is offering suggestions.

How does it work?

The scheme is a monumental undertaking. Organisers and volunteers reach out to schools and local neighbourhood teams in Stockport and ask them which families will struggle the most to buy Christmas presents that year. They will call or visit the families and get three items the child or person may want, which are put on the tags.

One year, it took Victoria and her team three to four days to write out all the tags for the trees.

Despite the work that goes into putting the scheme together, the feedback the organisers get from those who benefit is more than worth it.

The spot in Merseyway Shopping Centre where gifts for the giving tree project can be donated (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Speaking to Nub News last year, Victoria recalled seeing one text from a very happy mother whose child got a present from the scheme.

Victoria said: "It read something like: 'I cannot believe it, every single item that has been sent to me is just perfect for our children. I'm crying, [my partner] is crying, we just cannot believe what you have done for us today.

"Thank you to everyone at The Giving Tree. I can now breathe."

Victoria added: "That was probably one of the most powerful messages I have ever received during the whole campaign."

More important than ever

Last year, Victoria admitted to feeling apprehensive about the success of the scheme after learning that food banks were having to go out and buy their own food to give to those in need.

"These people who [had been] donating - they were having to access the food banks as well this year," she said.

In spite of this, more people than ever before have gone out of their way this year to ensure that everyone can experience the joy of receiving a gift at Christmas.

(Image - Alasdair Perry)

Victoria said: "[Because of the cost of living crisis] people realise that the need is greater and so they're giving more."

The organiser hopes to continue the scheme for as long as she is in her current position as Centre Manager.

She said, "Under my watch there will never be a situation where someone doesn't get anything [for Christmas]. I'll make it happen."

This year's Giving Tree will be open until 16 December 2023. Anyone making a donation is encouraged to leave their gift at the dedicated donation station outside Specsavers or at the centre's management suite.

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