Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, Health Stars, is calling on the Whitby community to help bring some Christmas cheer to patients receiving care at Whitby Community Hospital.

Every year, some people spend Christmas in hospital, away from family, friends and the comforts of home.

Through its annual Christmas Gift Appeal, Health Stars is asking residents, businesses and community groups to come together and donate gifts to help make the festive season a little brighter for patients.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust runs the inpatient ward at Whitby Community Hospital, providing care for patients who require rehabilitation for long-term conditions, as well as palliative and end of life care.

Help bring Christmas cheer to patients at Whitby Community Hospital.

placeholder image — Help bring Christmas cheer to patients at Whitby Community Hospital.

Drawing on their experience of what patients would most appreciate, nurses and ward staff have put together a wish list of items that can be added to Christmas shopping lists, including fluffy socks, cosy blankets, chocolates, toiletries and puzzle books.

Anita Green, Charity Manager for Health Stars, said: "Whitby is well-known for its strong community spirit, and we’re hoping people will once again support patients who are spending Christmas in hospital.

“Being in hospital at any time of year can be difficult, but it can feel especially challenging during the festive season when many people are spending time with loved ones.

"A small gift can help someone feel remembered and bring a little comfort at what can be a difficult time.

“We’re asking the community to come together and help us ensure every patient on the ward receives a gift this Christmas.”

Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at Whitby Community Hospital, as well as other collection points across North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and Hull.

People can also support the appeal by buying items directly from the Health Stars Amazon Wishlist or by making a cash donation, which will be used to buy additional gifts for patients.

Appeal Details

 Donate a Small Gift: From toiletries and cosy socks to books, puzzles and other thoughtful items, all donations will be warmly received.

Please visit Christmas Gift Appeal 2026 | NHS HEALTH STAR for a shopping list.

 Drop-Off Your Gift: Gifts can be dropped off Whitby Community Hospital, Springhill, Whitby from November 18 to December 8

Other drop off points for the appeal include:

 East Riding Community Hospital Reception, Swinemoor Lane, Beverley, HU17 0FA

 Health Stars, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, Willerby Hill, HU10 6ED (only open Monday – Friday)

 Inspire, Walker Street, Hull, HU3 2HE

 Malton Hospital Reception, Middlecave Road, Malton, YO17 7NG

 Rosedale Community Unit, Preston Road, Hedon, HU12 8JU

 Whitby Community Hospital, Springhill, YO21 1DP

 YOURhealth Hub, 19 Quay Road, Bridlington, YO15 2AB