Cheshire will once again welcome the much-loved Charity Christmas Card & Gift Shops — but this year will be especially significant as the shops open for the final time.
Founded by Sheila Hallas MBE in 1971, the Combined Charities Christmas Card Shops have become a much-loved part of the festive season. Over an incredible 55 years, the shops have helped raise more than £6 million for local, national and international charities, creating a lasting legacy of support for good causes.
Now, after more than five decades, 2026 will be the final year of the Charity Christmas Card & Gift Shops.
The decision marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but the committee is determined that the final year should be a celebration of everything the shops, their volunteers, participating charities and loyal customers have achieved together.
What makes the shops so special is their unique promise – 100% of card sales go directly to the charities, while all shop staff give their time as volunteers and the shops’ overheads are covered through the sale of gifts, toys and decorations.
This year, more than 30 charities will take part, offering a wide selection of Christmas card designs alongside wrapping paper, festive novelties, toys and decorations.
Founder Sheila Hallas MBE said: “When I look back over 55 years of the Charity Christmas Card Shops, I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. What began as a simple idea has grown into something that has made a real and lasting difference to so many charities and the people they support.
“I am enormously proud of everyone who has played a part over the years — our volunteers, the charities, our supporters and, of course, the customers who have continued to come back year after year. Without their loyalty and generosity, none of this would have been possible.
“It is with a mixture of pride and sadness that we now come to our final year, but I want 2026 to be a celebration. We have so much to be proud of, and I hope everyone will join us for one last Christmas of shopping with purpose and helping us make our final year a truly memorable one.”
Lead Volunteer, Jill Dodson added: “The Charity Christmas Card Shops have become so much more than places to buy Christmas cards. They are welcoming, friendly and wonderfully festive places where people know that their purchases are helping others. It will be very special to be part of the final year and to celebrate the incredible contribution the shops have made over the decades. Its also a chance to pick up some extra cards to keep that special connection with the charities alive for Christmases to come.”
Final-year shop dates
The shops will run at the following locations and dates, opening in line with library hours:
- Wilmslow Library – 31 October to 5 December
- Macclesfield Library – 31 October to 5 December
- Knutsford Library – 5 November to 3 December
- Sale Library – 13 November to 28 November
After 55 years of giving back, the Charity Christmas Card & Gift Shops are closing their doors — but what they have achieved together will continue to make a difference for many years to come.
For full details on locations, dates and opening times, visit: www.christmas-cards.org.uk
