Our tree-mendous Christmas tree collection service returns with expanded coverage
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices has announced the return of its popular Christmas tree collection service, now bigger and better than ever. From Monday 11 to Thursday 14 January 2027, the charity will collect real Christmas trees from 47 postcodes across the KT, GU, and TW areas.
In partnership with JustHelping, a UK charity that empowers communities to raise money for local causes, Shooting Star will receive 90% of the donations raised, with the remaining 10% going to other local charities. Residents can register their real Christmas tree for collection and make a minimum suggested donation. Dedicated volunteer elves will then collect the trees directly from doorsteps, eliminating the hassle of needles in cars or trips to the tip.
All collected trees will be recycled sustainably with the help of Shooting Star’s partners Merrist Wood College and The Tree Agency. Trees collected in Guildford will be turned into environmentally friendly compost by Merrist Wood College, while those collected in Hampton will be chipped sustainably by The Tree Agency. This recycling process reduces the carbon footprint of each tree by up to 80%, helping both the environment and local families who have a baby, child, or young person with a life-limiting condition or who have been bereaved across Surrey, south-west London, and north-west London.
Registrations must be completed before midnight on Thursday 7 January 2027 to secure a collection slot.
Corporate Relationship Manager Ellie Constable said, “We’re so happy to launch our Christmas tree collection service again and with us almost doubling the number of postcodes we’re collecting from this year, we’re hoping it’s going to be the biggest and best so far! The ongoing support we have from the community who register their trees and donate is so valued, and allows us to be able to provide our vital support to local families, while helping our supporters out and ticking something off the new year to do list!”
“As ever, a huge thank you to our main sponsors Ridge, and the many volunteers from our corporate supporters including SKY, Kier Highways, Ellis Wines, Balfour Beatty, Hill Group, Burbeck Interiors, Galliford and Drainline.”
Last year, the service collected a significant number of trees, saving over a substantial amount of CO2 emissions, demonstrating the environmental benefits of the initiative.
To participate, residents are encouraged to sign up and give their Christmas tree one final chance to shine while supporting local families and the environment.