Emmaus Colchester supports people to work their way out of homelessness.

Emmaus Colchester provides a home and meaningful work in a social enterprise for as long as someone needs it.

You can make a difference, by donating, getting involved or visiting one of our shops.

Operation Christmas

Sharing festive joy with children & families across Colchester!

Operation Christmas is back for 2025!

For 16 years we’ve been donating hundreds of presents to children across Colchester to help out families struggling financially. Alongside our partners, Reed we collect and distribute presents to local organisations working with families who are feeling isolated, struggling with the cost of living or need extra support this Christmas.

This year, we’ll be delivering presents to C3 Church, The Boaz Project, Colchester Hospital Children’s Ward and Next Chapter.

Donate presents to the appeal

We need your help!

Together, we can make this Christmas brighter for children across Colchester. We’re appealing for donations of new, unused and unwrapped:

Toys
Games
Gift vouchers
Sweet treats
Stationery

At our warehouse, we carefully wrap and sort each present by age and interests, making sure every child receives a gift they’ll love!

All donations can be dropped to Emmaus Warehouse, 4A Arthur Street, Colchester, CO2 7DT.

Your favourite Christmas memoires

Sharing Christmas Joy

This year, we’re asking you to reflect on your cherished Christmas memories and your favourite Christmas gifts over the years to inspire donations to the appeal.

Brian Cooke, CEO of Emmaus Colchester says: “Many of us are lucky enough to have good memories of Christmas and to remember receiving gifts from loved ones. However, for many across Colchester, Christmas brings added challenges, placing extra strain on families already coping with financial pressures. Operation Christmas helps to ease the burden for families and gives children Christmas gifts to remember. We’re always amazed by the incredible support from our partner, Reed, and our customers – and we know this year will be no different.”

All donations to Operation Christmas should be dropped to Emmaus Warehouse, 4A Arthur Street, Colchester, CO2 7DT by Wednesday 10th December.

For more information about Operation Christmas and how you or your business can get involved please contact [email protected]