This Christmas, something special is taking place at Polhill Garden Centre. Among the Christmas lights, decorations and festive plants stands a tree with a very different purpose. Instead of ornaments, it holds the Christmas wishes of children living in refuge across the UK. It is called The Giving Tree, and Polhill is proud to support it in partnership with KidsOut, a remarkable charity changing the lives of children who have fled domestic abuse.
Who Are KidsOut?
KidsOut is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting some of the most vulnerable children in society. These children, and their mothers, have escaped domestic abuse, leaving their homes with little more than the clothes they are wearing. Upon entering women’s refuges, most children own nothing of their own. They leave behind toys, books, rooms, and sometimes even family members.
Working in close collaboration with the Women’s Aid Federation, KidsOut supports over 20,000 children living in 650 women’s refuges across the UK. Through their year-round services, the charity provides:
- Brand-new toy boxes for children arriving at refuges
- Experiences and days out, helping children feel like children again
- Christmas gifts to ensure no child goes without presents
Toy boxes are thoughtfully curated by mental health professionals and domestic abuse specialists to provide both comfort and play. For many children, these boxes are the first time they have ever owned brand-new toys of their own.
KidsOut's Impact
In 2024 alone, KidsOut was able to provide:
- 51,070 brand-new toys to children in refuge
- 22,199 additional toys to disadvantaged children living with disabilities, economic hardship, or caring responsibilities
"I was worried Father Christmas wouldn’t come but I got lots of presents and it made me happy."
They have also captured the hearts of celebrities across the UK, with one recent supporter being Malique Thompson-Dwyer, best known for his role as Prince McQueen in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks. As an Ambassador for KidsOut, he has worked passionately to raise funds and awareness, including campaigns to take children in refuge on day trips to the seaside, experiences many have never had the chance to enjoy.
How The Giving Tree Works at Polhill
Taking part couldn’t be easier, and it’s a beautiful way to slow down, reflect, and share the true meaning of Christmas with your family. Whether you’re visiting for a festive lunch, browsing decorations, or picking up last-minute gifts, one small act of kindness can make a world of difference for a child who needs it most.
Here’s how to get involved:
-
Visit our Giving Tree located at the Gift Tills entrance (the entrance near the restaurant).
-
Choose a tag from the tree. Each tag represents a child and includes their age and a toy they would love to receive.
-
Buy that toy here at Polhill (or bring one from elsewhere).
-
Return the toy to the Gift Tills UNWRAPPED.
-
We handle the rest. Every gift is sent directly to KidsOut to be given to children in time for Christmas.
In just a few minutes, you can make a child’s Christmas morning magical. Here at Polhill, we see families sharing smiles over decorations, children tightly holding their favourite toys, and grandparents picking out gifts with love. This year, we invite you to share a little bit of that magic with a child who has never had a brand-new toy of their own.
Why Polhill? Why This Matters to Us
As a family-run business since 1964, Polhill has always been more than a shopping destination. For generations, families have chosen us for their Christmas traditions, weekend outings, and seasonal memories. Our customers return year after year because of one thing: community.
We are loved by families, so it feels only right to help other families who urgently need support.
Many of the children receiving gifts this year will have experienced trauma most adults could never imagine. They have left their homes in fear, often in the middle of the night, sometimes without saying goodbye.
By purchasing a toy for The Giving Tree, families shopping at Polhill can teach their own children about kindness, empathy and giving. We have an incredible range of toys here in our store: buying one and passing it on to a child whose world has turned upside down is one of the most powerful ways to share Christmas.
It is a small act that creates a huge impact.
See more of our social responsibility scheme here.
Join Us in Making Christmas Brighter
This festive season, we invite you to pause for a moment among the decorations, delicious meals and joyful bustle of Polhill. Visit our Giving Tree. Choose a tag. Buy a gift. Make a child's Christmas.
A toy may feel simple. But to a child who has left everything behind, it can mean comfort, belonging, and hope.
Let’s make sure every child has something to open on Christmas morning.
Together, we can share joy, one gift at a time.
Tags:
