Shooting Star’s 2026 Christmas tree collection shines brighter than ever

Shooting Star’s annual Christmas tree collection has celebrated a record‑breaking year, with the 2026 campaign becoming Shooting Star’s most successful to date. An impressive 1,081 trees were registered 305 more than last year, raising over £31,000 to support children and families who depend on our vital care.

Across the GU, KT and TW postcodes, more than 50 volunteers took to the roads over two days, collecting trees in all the January weather had to offer. Their enthusiasm and dedication ensured a smooth operation from start to finish, turning every tree into meaningful support for local families.

A key part of the collection’s success continues to be our strong partnerships. All trees collected in the GU area were transported to Merrist Wood College, where arboriculture students chipped them as part of their practical training. The hands‑on experience was made possible thanks to the generous support of Graham Benton Arboriculture and Makita, who provided expertise and equipment to enhance the learning process.

Meanwhile, trees gathered in the TW and KT postcodes were taken to Shooting Star House, where The Tree Agency once again stepped in to chip them. Both Merrist Wood College and The Tree Agency have supported the collection since its launch four years ago, and their continued commitment remains central to the project’s growth.

Chipping the trees reduces their carbon footprint by around 80%, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to landfill while saving residents a trip to the tip, and sparing their cars from the inevitable trail of needles.

Volunteers were kept energised thanks to Surplus to Supper, who provided a generous spread of snacks and drinks throughout the collection period. The charity extended special thanks to Ridge & Partners for sponsoring the collection, to Surplus to Supper for fuelling volunteers and to Merrist Wood College and The Tree Agency for facilitating the chipping process. Appreciation also goes to JustHelping, Shooting Star’s long‑standing partner in delivering the annual service.

Ellie Constable, Corporate Relationships Manager at Shooting Star commented: “The Christmas tree collections are one of my favourite projects of the year. They showcase incredible community spirit, bringing volunteers and local partners together to provide a genuinely helpful service for residents. Not only does the scheme make recycling easy and environmentally responsible, it’s mostly powered by volunteers who give their time so generously. Most importantly, every tree collected helps us raise vital funds for children and families facing the unimaginable, and that’s what makes this effort so meaningful.”

The work recognised the incredible volunteers from Ellis Wines, Sky, Burbeck Interiors, Kier, Galliford Try, Drainline, Zone Contractors, Lynch Plant Hire, and individuals Tim, Mark, Katie and Gary, whose hard work made the collections possible.

Above all, Shooting Star is incredibly grateful to every household who registered a tree, spread the word, or gave their time. Their support ensures we can continue providing essential care when families need it most.