Christmas is a time for giving

Published: 18 December 2025

An image of three council staff members with the presents given to this year's Wish Upon A Star appeal

A bundle of thoughtful gifts will be shared to vulnerable children and young people in the district on Christmas Day thanks to a council initiative.

97 presents have been donated by staff and the Probation Service in this year’s Wish Upon A Star campaign.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has run this annual scheme for the last 10 years. The appeal has continued since the sad passing of a former colleague Nicola Baker in November 2018, who initiated the project.

Cllr Mike Blakemore, Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration, said: “Every year we are astounded by the generosity of our staff and community partners who each time come out to support our Wish Upon A Star scheme with such generous donations.

“It’s important to us – during what can be for some, a difficult time – that we come together and make sure these children and young people in the district aren’t left empty-handed come this Christmas Day.”

Kent County Council’s Children’s Social Services teams will be delivering the gifts in time for Christmas Day.