A much-loved Oxfordshire Christmas appeal is celebrating its most successful year yet after collecting a record-breaking number of gifts from communities across the county.
Sleigh2Give, the annual festive campaign run by Didcot-based charity Play2Give, has marked its 11th year by surpassing last year’s record toy collection. Launched in 2015, the appeal was originally created as a one-off gift drive for Oxford Children’s Hospital but has since grown into a major seasonal initiative supporting a wide range of local organisations.
This year’s campaign saw more than 60 organisations take part, including schools, gyms, supermarkets, dance schools, karate clubs, businesses, cafés and community groups.
Donations were gathered through collection points and creative fundraising activities such as Christmas bazaars, quiz nights, hair braiding and doughnut sales. In total, an estimated 8,000 gifts were collected over a three-month period.
Sleigh2Give supported 12 organisations this Christmas, with Oxford Children’s Hospital receiving its highest volume of toys in recent years.
Other beneficiaries included Sobell House, siblings of babies in neonatal care, young carers, Oxford Head Injury Services, Wigod Way Wallingford Family Centre, Didcot Foodbank, two local Home-Start branches, and individual children and families in crisis.
The appeal is inspired by Play2Give founder Andrew Baker, who began fundraising at St Birinus School in Didcot at the age of 14 to thank the hospital teams who cared for him during childhood illness and brain surgery. Now 37, Baker continues to lead the volunteer-run charity, which hosts year-round fundraising events alongside its seasonal campaigns.
The 2025 Sleigh2Give campaign concluded on December 19 with festive deliveries to the John Radcliffe Hospital and Sobell House, supported by Driving Miss Daisy and ATA Logistics. Santa, Mrs Claus and an Elf delivered gifts to children on wards, helping to lift spirits for families facing extended hospital stays.
A spokesperson for SSNAP, which supports families in the neonatal care unit, said: “Words cannot fully express the sheer joy and comfort your support brings to so many families facing incredibly challenging times in the neonatal care unit.”
Oxford Children’s Hospital play specialist Jo Pinney added: “Visits like this make such a difference to children and families during what can be a difficult time.”
Andy Baker said: “I just want to add the biggest of thank you to each and every supporter and the whole community for another amazing team effort.”
Thanks to this year’s record collection, surplus toys will also support hospital patients throughout 2026. More information about Play2Give and how to get involved can be found at play2give.org.uk.
