Rotary to collect unwanted festive gifts

Volunteers are appealing for people on Alderney to donate any unwanted Christmas or birthday gifts to sell at a fundraising event.

The Rotary Club of Alderney is launching its collection on Monday 5 January and was to hold a sale of goods later in the year, organisers said.

Jean Skerritt from the club said it supported good causes on the island, including playgroups, support for animal welfare and older people, as well as international appeals.

The club said it hoped to give a new lease of life to gifts which may be "away in a drawer" and "never see the light of day again".

It said these could include perfumes, aftershaves, gift sets, scarves and socks which could find a new home.

Residents can put the gifts in a collection box in the Tourist Office until Saturday 7 February before they are sold at the Georgian House Hotel.

Islanders responded to a 2025 Rotary appeal by filling a "record" 197 shoeboxes of gifts in the autumn to send gifts to children in war-torn countries for Christmas.

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