Santa's Secret Helpers set to deliver sackfuls of joy for needy youngsters throughout Oldham

Date published: 01 December 2023

Your generous donations could make a huge difference to children across Oldham this festive period thanks to the Oldham Chronicle‘s Santa’s Secret Helper campaign.

This year we’ve again teamed up with our friends at Thrive Wellness (formerly Oldham Chiropractic) and Mahdlo Youth Zone, to collect as many presents as we can for children across the borough who would otherwise have awoken to a bleak Christmas morning.

Sackfuls of presents will make their way to youngsters who are supported by social services, housing associations and refuges. 

Kind-hearted individuals, schools and local businesses have already shown their support for the effort.

They include Manchester Cabins, Jordon Refrigeration, Seftons Accounting, North Ainley Solicitors, Crompton House school, Rishworth school, Beech House school, Patterson and Rothwell, Hulme school, JW Lees brewery, Holdcroft Hyundai and Holdcroft Mazda, Howarth Brothers, Marshall Pumps, WJ Lewis builders merchants, Wrigley Claydon Solicitors, Hartley Botanic, Platt and Hill and Oldham Sixth Form College - we thank you all.

Thrive Wellness have been working with Mahdlo for four years and they plan to collect presents again this year on December 7 in lieu of appointment fees.

Mahdlo Youth Zone, meanwhile, is a registered charity and state-of-the-art Youth Zone in the heart of Oldham for 8-19-year-olds (up to 25 for young people with a disability).

Mahdlo delivers high quality, innovative activities and experiences for young people from Oldham, provides opportunities to raise aspirations and supports young people to be the best they can be. 

Mahdlo do this from their base on Egerton Street, in the town centre, and in venues across the borough.

Every year Mahdlo opens its doors to thousands of young people and their families, and this Christmas is no exception. 

From free food and free clothes in our now annual “clothes bank”, Mahdlo provides vital support. 

This Christmas, there will be children that go without food, without heating, and without gifts. 

Donating a toy, no matter how small, may be the difference between a Christmas with nothing, and one to remember.

Oldhamers can help local Oldham kids by getting involved from now. 

Presents can be dropped off direct at Mahdlo with Omar Akhtar on Egerton Street and at Thrive Wellness on Yorkshire Street.

Please contact: Brodie@thrivewellnessuk.co.uk with any questions, or call the clinic contact number - 0161 628 7319.

We understand times are tough at present, but the generosity of Oldhamers has always shone through, despite our own limited resources.

We and our partners mentioned above are happy to receive presents of any size, shape and price point.

If you’re looking for inspiration for presents here are some ideas:

Children aged 0 – 3 years old: bath toys, building blocks, playmats, teethers.

Children aged 4 – 12 years old: activity toys, board games, dressing up outfits, puzzles, Lego, books, slime kits, craft kits, fidget toys, toy cars or trucks, friendship bracelet sets LED finger gloves, make up sets, backpacks.  

Teenagers: arty supplies, card games, gift vouchers, sports equipment, games controllers, bluetooth speakers, robot kits, LED bike lights, hover balls, gaming socks, celebrity books, mobile phone case, walkie talkies, tie dye kits, water bottles, stress balls, App Store/iTunes vouchers.

All ages: books, gloves, hats, pyjamas, scarves, slippers, socks, ear warmers, dressing gowns, gift vouchers.

Once you’ve left your donated gift, our teams of magic elves and sleigh drivers will ensure they are under the right tree on Christmas morning.

Thank you everyone, and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Children in Oldham are set to have a much happier Christmas with your help and kindness.