The Library Tree of Wishes is back!

News | Posted on Wednesday 4 December 2024

The Library / York Student Union Tree of Wishes has returned to Morrell lobby area, and with your help we're supporting several local charities.

A Christmas Tree surrounded by gifts
Last year's haul

What is the Tree of Wishes? 

Every year the library works with some of York Student Union's chosen charities to provide Christmas gifts they can distribute to the people they support. York staff and students buy gifts and put them under the tree, then we take them to the charities in mid-December for them to distribute in time for Christmas Day. 

This year there is a tree in the Student Union Building as well as one in the Library: they're both collecting for the same charities so feel free to choose whichever is easiest for you! 

It's one of our favourite things to do in the library because people are so generous, and over time you see the pile of presents getting bigger and bigger under the tree as we get closer to Christmas. Last year we have to box some up early because there was so many, it was amazing to see. University of York people are the best people. 

What do I need to do? 

If you want to take part, here's what you do: 

  1. Go to the Tree in the Morrell (it's under the big picture of JB Morrell, on Floor 0 opposite the stairs) and look through the various tags to choose a present to buy - pick one to suit your budget 
  2. Take the tag away with you and source the present 
  3. Wrap the present up and - this is crucial - stick the tag on the present so the charities know what they have! 
  4. Put it under the tree 

We'll do the rest. 

If you're unable to buy a gift this year you can still help, by telling your friends about the Tree of Wishes, sharing this News item, reposting our Instagram videos or our Bluesky posts about the project, and generally helping people find out what we're doing! 

Which charities are we working with this year? 

You'll know which charity you're buying for because it's written on each tag, and here are the ones chosen for 2024.

Spirit of Christmas work with local schools and low-income families, and Shelter Support have partnered with local charities SASH, Chocolate & Co and Restore York, all of whom work to support the homeless and vulnerable in York.

Find more info about Spirit of Christmas at spiritofchristmas.org.uk; SASH at sash-uk.org.uk; Chocolate & Co at chocolateandco.org; and Restore York at restoreyork.co.uk

How long do I have to get my gift under the tree?

We anticipate that we'll need to put all the presents in the van and take them to the charities on December 13th, so please get your gifts under the tree by then... 

As always, a huge thank you for all your generosity!