Give today
⁎
Silent Santa Appeal
⁎
Give today ⁎ Silent Santa Appeal ⁎
After the incredible success of the 2025 Silent Santa Appeal — where the number of gifts donated for local children in need exceeded every previous year — we are delighted to confirm that the Appeal will be running again for Christmas 2026.
Christmas is a joyful time for many little ones, but sadly there are still children in our area who will not experience the excitement of opening a present on Christmas morning. The Silent Santa Appeal exists to change that. With the kindness of our community, we aim to provide as many thoughtful gifts as possible to children who would otherwise go without. Even a small gesture can brighten a child’s day and bring a smile they will remember.
Thank you, as always, for your generosity and support. It may be early, but we wish you all a very Merry Christmas when it comes.
Warm regards, Cllr Gerald & Ruth Lee
If you feel able to help, we warmly invite you to fill a shoebox or Christmas‑themed gift bag with suitable items for a boy or girl aged:
· 4–5
· 6–7
· 8–9
· 10–11
Please label the gift with the age group and whether it is for a boy or a girl. For safety reasons, we kindly ask that no items containing glass or nuts are included. If you’re able to share the Appeal with friends, colleagues, or anyone who might like to help, it would really boost what we can achieve together and bring joy to even more children this Christmas.
Donations can be dropped off at: 1 Greenhill Road, Heighington, DL5 6RN
If it is easier, you can contact us on 07876 216192 or gerald.lee@darlington.gov.uk, and we will gladly arrange a collection from an address that suits you.
Join our
community
in making a difference
Welcome to our community news hub, where every action counts towards improving the life in our village. We aim to bring residents closer together in an inclusive and supporting atmosphere.
Stay up-to-date
with parish news and announcements
Connect
with everyone in your community
Search and find
your local businesses and service providers
CALENDAR
About the parish of Heighington
The parish council area includes the villages of Heighington, Redworth, and The Chestnuts in School-Aycliffe.
VOLUNTEERING
VOLUNTEERING
There are numerous opportunities to volunteer within the village, providing a chance for residents to contribute to the community’s well-being and development. Whether your interests lie in environmental projects, local events, or providing support to vulnerable groups, the parish council is the central point of contact. Reaching out to them will connect you with ongoing initiatives that benefit everyone and help strengthen the fabric of village life.
“Since becoming a clock winder at St.Michaels Church I have met some very interesting people and learnt a lot about the villages’ fascinating history. It gets me out and about, the winding itself is a great exercise and it makes me feel like a valuable member of the village community.”
Anthony
Clock Winder
Photos
from Heighington
Many families are facing financial pressures this year. These difficulties are real, and they affect households across our region. Sadly, they fall even harder on those who already have very little to begin with — and it is their children who feel it most at Christmas so do try to help our local little ones who would benefit from a surprise gift.