Put A Present On The Police Christmas Tree

Charity event is to raise money for disadvantaged children

Metropolitan Police (Met) Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has launched the biggest charity event ever run by the Met to ensure that thousands of children in care across the capital receive a special Christmas present this year.

The Met’s ‘Christmas Tree Campaign’ is spreading its cheer across London, with trees being lit up by officers outside police stations, and in other public places, in all of London’s 32 boroughs to ensure more children in need than ever have a present delivered to them in time for Christmas Day.

Londoners are encouraged to get behind the campaign and give a gift by taking a tagged ribbon from a tree on your borough or at New Scotland Yard, and follow the instructions on the tag. You can also visit the online virtual MPS Christmas tree.

The expansion of the campaign builds on last year’s success, which resulted in hundreds of gifts given to children in the five boroughs of Lambeth, Westminster, Southwark, Camden and Hammersmith and Fulham.

Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said:
“This is a simple idea in the spirit of Christmas. A child in need can be helped by a simple gift from someone they have never met. That person gains no recognition other than knowing they have shown some care for a child that needs a little more love than most."

The Commissioner was inspired to launch the appeal after seeing a similar concept in Sheffield 30 years ago when he was a PC on the beat.

The gifts will be for children aged from one week to 17 years and benefit those in care across all London boroughs. The children are currently being cared for by foster parents or are in residential care homes. The suggested spend for gifts this year is no more than £20. The last day for putting items up is December 15.

All gifts will be delivered to the children at their care homes before Christmas Day.

December 5, 2014