Since 1974 applications have been welcomed each year around this time from residents of Folkestone to apply to the Town Mayor of Folkestone’s Christmas Fund for assistance with their winter expenses. Prior to 1974 this was known as the Mayor’s Coal Fund and gifts of coal were distributed to those eligible.

Each year local businesses and individuals make donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Fund and payments are then sent in January to residents who fall within a certain financial criteria, as agreed by the Town Mayor of Folkestone’s Christmas Fund Committee.

In order to be considered for a gift applicants need to:

· Complete an application form available from the Town Council offices in the Town Hall, from the Civic Centre in Castle Hill Avenue or by phoning 01303 257946

· Be aged 75 or over on 31st December 2026

· Be a resident of Folkestone

· Not reside in a residential or care home

· Only submit one application per household

· Return the form to Folkestone Town Council, The Town Hall, 1-2 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1DY by 4.00pm on 18 December 2026

Any organisation or individual who wishes to make a donation, however small, can do so by addressing it to the Town Mayor of Folkestone, Folkestone Town Council, The Town Hall, 1-2 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1DY. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Town Mayor’s Christmas Fund’ or via BACs to the same account (Account No. 08616639 Sort Code 52-41-42).