The Metropolitan Police have launched their annual Christmas Tree Project which hopes to give thousands of children a happier Christmas.
The Met’s Christmas Tree Project is their biggest ever charity event and has been going since 2012, and means thousands of children in care in London can receive a gift.
Gifts are given to children aged from one week-17 years old, from those who live with foster parents to children who will be in care homes over Christmas.
The appeal was launched by the lighting up of the Christmas tree lights outside Hyde Park police station on Wednesday, November 9 as well as other trees across London.
X Factor winner Fleur East was on hand with Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe to mark the special event.
Miss East said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to give something back to local looked after children.”
Londoners can give a gift by taking the ribbons which hang on the trees and following the instructions, giving a gift to their local borough for collection and delivery.
All children will receive their gift before Christmas Day.
In 2015, more than 11,000 gifts were given to children and £9,000 donated by the public and the Met hope to beat this figure this year.
Sir Hogan-Howe said: “Christmas is a time for giving and who more worth of receiving that generosity than children in care who can find this season difficult.
“We are grateful to all those who took part in last year’s campaign to spread some Christmas cheer and we hope to do the same this year.”
The Met’s Christmas Tree Campaign poster design competition was won this year by Violet, aged nine, from Camden, chosen from 4,000 designs by children in London.
To get involved you can give a gift at www.met.police.uk/christmastree/ or donate to the Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/metxmastree.
