Following another remarkably generous season, the Alton Lions Club has formally announced the distribution of funding raised during the 2025 Santa Sleigh collection. Demonstrating the extraordinary spirit of our local community, these vital funds are being injected directly back into the heart of the area to uplift families, individuals, and local organizations in need.

A grand sum of £7,034 has been officially awarded to 20 local organizations to support a diverse range of community, educational, health, and wellbeing initiatives.

Fueling Grassroots Initiatives & Community Spirit

In total, the Alton Lions reviewed 29 comprehensive applications from local voluntary teams, registered charities, educational institutions, and community care services supporting children and adults alike. Each approved grant addresses critical needs—providing targeted resources, specialist equipment, or project subsidies designed to yield clear, long-term community benefits.

Where Your Donations Went: The 2025 Grant Recipients

Here is the official breakdown of where your generous donations have been directed:

Organisation / Group	Purpose of Funding	Amount Awarded
Holybourne Youth Theatre	Specialist youth theatre workshops delivered on Saturdays	£250
Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club Juniors	Purchase of new team shirts for junior players	£300
Eggar's School	Improvements to the careers room, supporting SEND and disadvantaged students	£500
8th Alton Scout Group	Subsidising a two-day group camp to enable parents to attend and encourage future volunteers	£500
Wootey Infant School	Sensory circuit equipment for children with SEND	£500
Alton Counselling Service	Subsidising counselling fees for local residents aged 16+	£500
Broadlands Group Riding for the Disabled	Bursary support enabling disabled riders to continue accessing equine therapy	£500
Alton Foodbank	Funding a dedicated advice worker to address the root causes of food poverty	£300
Holybourne Theatre (Youth workshop)	Delivery of a youth theatre summer workshop	£175
Home-Start Hampshire (Alton, Bordon & area)	Volunteer recruitment and training	£500
Alton Art Society	Sponsorship of children’s prizes at the annual art exhibition	£250
Anstey Junior School	Installation of a story chair to encourage reading for pleasure	£429
Chawton CofE Primary School	Storage shed for SEN and ELSA resources	£400
Alton College Foundation	Creation of sensory and self-regulation spaces for neurodivergent and anxious students	£250
Alton Westbrook District Guides	Purchase of a new photocopier	£200
Young Alton Climate Action Network (Young ACAN)	Bicycle, lock and signage to support youth-led climate action activity	£380
Bushy Leaze Family Support	Targeted young parents group activities and 1:1 family support	£250
Bushy Leaze Nursery	Planters and equipment for the nursery allotment	£250
Alton Infant School	Development of a sensory garden for early years pupils	£500
Trans Joy Network	Room hire and printed resources for monthly support meetings	£100

A Heartfelt Thank You

The Alton Lions Club extends its deepest gratitude to every single resident who dropped change or scanned a donation during the Santa Sleigh routes. Your generosity directly funds these projects, making Alton a more vibrant, and supportive place for everyone.