A warm welcome awaits at November open day
Visitors can explore the home-from-home facilities at Francis House Children’s Hospice.
Tuesday 13th October 2026
Charity Christmas card shops return for one last festive season after 55 years of giving back
Final year of the much-loved Cheshire Christmas card shops.
An incredible contribution: 55 years of Charity Christmas card shops.
Cheshire will once again welcome the much-loved Charity Christmas Card and Gift Shops but this year will be especially significant as the shops open for the final time.
Founded by Sheila Hallas MBE in 1971, the Combined Charities Christmas Card Shops have become a favourite part of the festive season. Over an incredible 55 years, the shops have helped raise more than £6 million for local, national and international charities, creating a lasting legacy of support for good causes.
For Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury, sales of Christmas cards through the pop-up shops in libraries across Cheshire and Greater Manchester, have generated £64,500.00 in vital income.
Now, after more than five decades, 2026 will be the final year of the Charity Christmas Card and Gift Shops.
Sheila Hallas MBE (left) founded the Combined Charities Christmas Card Shops in 1971. Pictured with Jill Dodson, lead volunteer (right).
End of an era
The decision marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but the committee is determined that the final year should be a celebration of everything the shops, their volunteers, participating charities and loyal customers have achieved together.
What makes the shops so special is their unique promise of 100% of card sales go directly to the charities. All shop staff give their time as volunteers and the shops’ overheads are covered through the sale of gifts, toys and decorations.
This year, more than 30 charities will take part, offering a wide selection of Christmas card designs alongside wrapping paper, festive novelties, toys and decorations.
Founder Sheila Hallas MBE said: “When I look back over 55 years of the Charity Christmas Card Shops, I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. What began as a simple idea has grown into something that has made a real and lasting difference to so many charities and the people they support.
“I am enormously proud of everyone who has played a part over the years. Our volunteers, the charities, our supporters and the customers who have continued to come back year after year. Without their loyalty and generosity, none of this would have been possible.
“It is with a mixture of pride and sadness that we now come to our final year, but I want 2026 to be a celebration. We have so much to be proud of, and I hope everyone will join us for one last Christmas of shopping with purpose and helping us make our final year a truly memorable one.”
Francis House volunteers selling cards and gifts at a Charity Christmas Cards shop.
Jane Wallace of Francis House said: “Francis House Children’s Hospice is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to sell our range of Christmas cards in the wider community over these past 20 years. Taking part has enabled us to raise much needed funds and awareness of our hospice that supports hundreds of local children and families.
“On behalf of Francis House, I would like to send our thanks to founder Sheila Hallas MBE and all the volunteers who have made the Charity Christmas Card and Gift shops a fantastic outlet for charities to sell their Christmas cards and gifts.”
Opening hours and locations
The shops can be found at the following locations and dates, opening hours are in line with each individual library.
- Wilmslow Library from 31 October to 5 December
- Knutsford Library from 5 November to 3 December
- Sale Library from 13 November to 28 November
Macclesfield Library will also have a shop from 31 October to 5 December, although no Francis House cards will be on sale.
For full details on locations, dates and opening times, visit www.christmas-cards.org.uk
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