Charity Christmas Gift & Card Shops Return for 54th Year – Giving Back 100% to Good Causes
Festive shopping with purpose: gifts, toys, and decorations available alongside charity cards
As autumn fades and festive anticipation grows, Cheshire once again welcomes the return of the much-loved Charity Christmas Gift & Card Shops, opening in libraries across the county from late October.
Now in their 54th year, these unique shops – founded by Sheila Hallas MBE in 1971 – have raised an extraordinary £6.5 million for charities to date. What sets them apart is their promise: 100% of card sales go directly to the charities, with all shop staff volunteering their time and overheads covered by the sale of gifts, toys and decorations.
This year, more than 35 charities are participating, each offering around 10 card designs, ensuring a wide choice for every taste. In addition to cards, visitors will discover wrapping paper, festive novelties, toys and decorations – making it easy to celebrate while supporting good causes.
Volunteer Jill Dodson explains:
“Each year, charities face greater challenges in raising funds. The Christmas Card Shops not only provide vital income but also create a joyful space where charities can meet the public directly. Customers love the friendly, Christmassy atmosphere – it’s shopping that truly makes a difference.”
Charities taking part echoed the importance of the shops:
- A local hospice representative shared:
“The funds raised through Christmas Card sales directly support our end-of-life care services. Each card sold helps us bring comfort to families at the hardest of times.”
- A children’s charity added:
“For us, the Card Shops are a lifeline. They provide funds for play therapy sessions and family support that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.”
- A local charity working in Africa explained:
“With every card purchased, customers are helping us deliver clean water to communities overseas. It’s a small act with a global impact.”
Beyond the high street – For those unable to visit in person, details of participating charities and links to support them can also be found online at www.christmas-cards.org.uk, making it easier than ever to give back.
The shops will run at the following locations and dates, opening in line with library hours:
- Wilmslow Library – 1 November to 6 December
- Macclesfield Library – 1 November to 6 December
- Knutsford Library – 6 November to 4 December
- For full details on locations, dates, and opening times, visit www.christmas-cards.org.uk or follow us on Facebook (cccsa) and Instagram (@charitycards4u).
🎄 Charity Christmas Card & Gift Shops – By the Numbers
- £6.5 million+ raised since 1971
- 35+ charities represented this year
- 10+ card designs per charity on average
- 100% of card sales go directly to charities
- All shops run by volunteers
- Funds support a wide range of causes: local hospices, children’s services, community projects, and international aid
Every card and gift purchased makes a real difference.
Please look at the website for locations, opening dates and times of each shop.
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