Kind-hearted residents across Hull, and surrounding areas, have helped spread festive cheer by donating their unwanted children’s Christmas jumpers.
Hull City Council launched its annual Christmas jumper appeal ahead of Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, held today (Thursday 11th December), to ensure as many children as possible can take part in the festivities.
Thanks to the generosity of many, a record-breaking 145 jumpers have been donated – double the amount received in previous years.
Over four weeks, donations poured in via Beercocks and the council’s customer service centres.
Earlier this week, the jumpers were delivered to schools in priority areas identified by the council’s Love Your Street project. This ensured that every child who needed a Christmas jumper received it before the annual charity event.
This year’s schools included:
- Stepney Primary School
- Clifton Primary School
- Chiltern Primary School
- Adelaide Primary School
After receiving a selection a Christmas jumpers, a school pupil from Adelaide Primary School said: “This [appeal] is very important because some people are not fortunate enough to have Christmas jumpers, especially with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Now everyone can have a Christmas jumper and celebrate an important part of the year.”
Another pupil said they felt “grateful” and “happy” to have received the donations.
For many families, Christmas is an added financial pressure. This appeal is designed to ensure that every child can take part in the festive celebrations, while also promoting sustainability and reuse.
Councillor Charles Quinn, cabinet portfolio holder for environment, said: “We want to thank all the kind people who responded to our appeal. We were aiming for our biggest collection yet – and we have succeeded.
“A special thank you to St Andrews Primary School in Kirkella, who donated 56 jumpers, massively contributing to the final figure and success of this year’s appeal.
“The donations have now been dropped off at four primary schools across Hull and will help lots of local families enjoy the festivities, including today’s Christmas Jumper Day.”
Over the past few years, Hull City Council has collected hundreds of Christmas jumpers, with the appeal growing year on year.
Inspired by the council’s efforts, The Education alliance (TEAL) rallied support across its schools. Families were encouraged to donate unwanted Christmas jumpers, which were then redistributed to children who needed them across their schools.
Sarah Barley, Director of TEAL community said: “This Christmas, The Education Alliance proudly partnered with Hull City Council for their annual Christmas Jumper Donation Appeal, a heartwarming initiative designed to ensure every child can join in the fun of their school’s Christmas jumper day.
“Families across our schools were invited to donate any unwanted festive jumpers, giving these garments a second life and helping to spread joy to children across our communities.
“While our Hull schools were central to the appeal, our East Riding schools also stepped up in a big way, contributing generously to the cause. This collaboration highlights what makes our trust special: a shared commitment to inclusion, kindness, sustainability, and community.
“As the festive season approaches, we’re reminded that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Thank you to every family, student, and staff member who donated.”
Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is held every year, inviting people up and down the country to come together and donate £2 to “make the world better with a sweater”.
For more information on the Love Your Street project, follow Love Your Street Hull on Facebook and @LoveYourStHull on Twitter.