For many of us, Christmas begins with the little things.
The first twinkle of lights in a window. The smell of mince pies. A child excitedly writing a letter to Santa, changing their mind about what they would like at least a dozen times before Christmas Eve.
And then there is Christmas morning: the sound of little feet on the stairs, the excitement of seeing a present with their name on it, and that moment when the wrapping paper comes off.
It is a kind of magic we wish every child could experience.
But for some families here in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Christmas can also bring a quiet, heartbreaking worry: how do you make it special when there simply isn’t enough money?
When the rent needs paying, the electricity meter needs topping up and the food shop costs more than it used to, buying presents can feel impossible. Parents and carers who love their children every bit as fiercely as anyone else may find themselves lying awake, wondering how they will manage.
That is why, this Christmas, we are launching Santa’s Harbour of Hope.
The hidden struggle on our doorstep
We are fortunate to live and work in a beautiful part of the world. Every day, our boats sail past sparkling water, islands, beaches and homes overlooking Poole Harbour.
But behind the views and the festive shop windows, some families in our own community are struggling.
Official figures show that in 2024–25, 24.4% of children under 16 across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were living in relative low-income families after housing costs. That is almost one in four children — approximately 16,000 young people across our area.
The figure measures families whose income, after housing costs and adjusted for household size, is below 60% of the national median. It doesn’t tell us how many children will go without a Christmas present, but it does show how many families may have little room in their budgets when the festive season arrives.
A local safeguarding report also highlighted the inequalities that can be hidden in an area often seen as prosperous: around 15,000 children and young people aged up to 25 in BCP live in neighbourhoods among the 20% most deprived in England. That is a measure of the areas in which they live, rather than their individual family circumstances.
Every number represents a child with their own personality, hopes and favourite things. A child who might love drawing, building LEGO, football, cuddly socks or anything that sparkles. A teenager who may be growing up quickly but still deserves to feel remembered.
And behind each child is a family doing their best.
A little boat with a big wish
At Coastal Cruises Poole, our boats bring people together every day. We see families making memories, children waving from the deck and friends sharing special moments on the water.
This Christmas, our little boat, Island Scene, has a different mission.
We want to fill her with gifts for local children and young people — and we would love our community to help us do it.
We’re calling the appeal Santa’s Harbour of Hope, because that is what we hope our harbour can become: a place where kindness comes together and where a small act of generosity can travel a long way.
Our idea is simple: if you can, buy one extra.
While you are shopping for your own family, perhaps you could pick up one extra gift for a child or teenager in our community. It doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. What matters is the thought behind it — and the joy it could bring.
Where will the gifts go?
We are working with three wonderful organisations that will help distribute the gifts to children and young people:
- Amelia’s Rainbow
- Ashley’s Birthday Bank
- MYTIME Young Carers
These organisations know the children and families they support and will help make sure the gifts reach those who can benefit from them.
We are grateful to them for being part of Santa’s Harbour of Hope. Together, we hope to bring a little extra joy to children facing all sorts of challenges this Christmas.
What gifts are we looking for?
We are collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children of different ages, including older children and teenagers, who can sometimes be overlooked in Christmas appeals.
Some ideas include:
- LEGO, games, toy cars and dolls
- Arts and crafts, including kits for older children
- Sensory toys and gifts
- Gifts for teenage boys
- Make-up, nice toiletries and pampering gifts
- Gift vouchers
- Cuddly socks, blanket hoodies and cosy blankets
- Chocolates and sweets
Please leave presents unwrapped, so they can be matched to a suitable child.
A cosy blanket to curl up in. A game to play with family. A gift voucher to choose something special. Whatever you are able to give, it will be part of a much bigger collection of kindness.
Where can I drop off a gift?
We are accepting donations now until 6th December.
Coastal Cruises Poole
Cobbs Quay Marina
Woodlands Avenue
Poole
BH15 4EL
Come through the barrier and turn left. You will find us next to Powerboat Training UK. There is free parking for gift drop-offs.
Coastal Cruises Blue Kiosk
The Quay
Poole
BH15 1HJ
You can also hand a gift to our team aboard Solent Scene, Island Scene or Fortuna when the boats are alongside Poole Quay.
Businesses: come aboard
We would love local businesses, workplaces and community groups to help us spread the word and collect presents.
You could invite your team to Buy One Extra, organise a workplace collection, become a drop-off point, donate gifts as a business or share the appeal with your customers and contacts.
Whether you collect five presents or fifty, you will be helping us fill the boat and showing just how much our community cares.
If your business would like to get involved, please get in touch with the Coastal Cruises Poole team. We would love to hear from you.
Let’s fill the boat with hope
We know that a present cannot take away every worry a family faces. But it can be a moment of happiness. It can help a child feel thought of. And it can remind a parent or carer that their community is standing alongside them.
Imagine Island Scene filled with gifts, each one chosen by someone who wanted to make Christmas a little brighter for a child they may never meet.
That is the sort of community we are proud to be part of.
So, if you can help, please buy one extra and bring it aboard Santa’s Harbour of Hope.
One extra gift. One little smile. Together, let’s help local children feel the magic of Christmas. 🎁❤️⚓