Help make Christmas special for care leavers with Giving Tree

WV Active is once again inviting people to take part in its annual Giving Tree appeal, this year dedicated to making Christmas extra special for Wolverhampton’s care leavers aged 16-25.

Each of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s three WV Active leisure centres – WV Active Aldersley, WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, and WV Active Central – will host a Giving Tree adorned with tags representing gift wishes from care leavers.

People are invited to select a tag, purchase the requested item or donate a similar gift, and bring their wrapped gift back to WV Active with the tag attached by Friday 12 December, 2025.

The gifts will then be distributed to care leavers in time for Christmas, helping to ensure they feel valued and supported during the festive season. For inspiration, please see the full wish list online at https://orlo.uk/vyvck.

The appeal has been developed by WV Active Sales and Service Managers Lisa Johnson and James Hayes, supported by the council’s Co-production Team, who work closely with young people across the city.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for care leavers, many of whom may not have family to celebrate with.

"The Giving Tree appeal is a wonderful way for our community to show these young people that they are cared for and supported. By choosing a tag and donating a gift, you can help brighten their festive season – and remind them that Wolverhampton is a city that looks after its own.

"The suggested gifts are affordable and widely available, making it easy for people to take part, so if you are able to, please get involved and help spread joy this Christmas."