2026 Shortlisted Nominee
Community Organisation Award: Age
Santa Squad is a youth‑led community organisation founded in 2022 by a group of friends determined to ensure no child wakes up to nothing on Christmas morning. Starting at just eight and nine years old, they partnered with schools and local organisations to reach families most in need, collecting donations of toys, clothes, toiletries, baby items and food. In four years, Santa Squad has supported 100 families in 2022, 189 in 2023, 912 in 2024 and 1,200 in 2025, over 7,350 gifts in total. Their work has been recognised locally and nationally, including a Highly Commended award at the BBC Make a Difference Awards.