Costa Christmas Collection urges locals for donations of gifts for vulnerable children

Costa del Sol charities are asking locals to make Christmas extra special for those children who might otherwise be without. Hadas Caradas – the group that organizes the Costa Christmas Collections – has launched an appeal for 2025, asking locals to make a donation before Sunday December 7th.

Children’s Christmas Help

The charity helps children who live in safe houses and domestic violence shelters, as well as families that rely on foodbanks throughout Malaga Province. The community can help many of these children who will be facing Christmas without a present.

One of those who promoted the campaign stated that the situation was “heartbreakingly sad” because there were so many children living without a home and family. Please consider buying a gift this year for one our children.

Simple ask

This simple gesture can make a huge difference to a child’s Christmas. Residents are asked to buy a new gift, wrap it, label it clearly with the child’s age and gender, and drop it off at one of the many participating collection points stretching from Alhaurín el Grande to Estepona.

Drop off Locations

Drop-off points for this year are:

• Halo Spa Salon in Alhaurín el Grande
• Martins Hair and Beauty Lounge and Fabric Boutique Torremolinos and Mijas
• Little Senses Bar Tuta and Fabric Boutique, in the Calahonda-Elviria Area
• The Harbour Marbella, Harry’s Fish and Chips and the British International School of Marbella in Nueva Andalucía
• Urban Chai Café, Liam’s Quality Meats and Bazlama Restaurant in San Pedro and Estepona

Overseas Supermarkets in Puerto Banús and Fuengirola are also accepting mince pies, chocolates and Christmas sweets for children and families who are struggling.

Needs on the Costa del Sol are increasing

Organisers believe the next week is crucial. They fear that hundreds of children will be left out if donations do not increase. The charity allows anyone who is unable to go shopping in person to donate money, which will allow volunteers to buy gifts.

The cost of living has increased in all regions, increasing the need for financial support. Recent regional data shows that around 35 percent (or more) of Malaga’s minors live in families at risk of being poor. Rent increases, food price hikes and seasonal job instability continue to put pressure on families. In Andalucía overall, severe poverty affects more than 17 percent of households with children, a rate significantly higher than for households without dependents.

Local organisations say that families are increasingly turning to food banks, while the demand for basic children’s items such as school supplies and nappies has risen. The Christmas appeal, say volunteers, is not just a practical way to help the community but also reminds young people of their care.

Learn more

Hadas Caradas (also known as Food Fairies) works all year round to provide food, essentials, and emergency assistance across the Costa del Sol. Its Christmas campaign remains its largest annual effort, with volunteers donating, sorting, and distributing presents in time for Christmas.

Residents who wish to help can visit hadascaradas.org, follow @hadascaradas on social media or email jack@hadascaradas.org