The last two weeks have been pretty busy – we have provided the following:- school uniform for a family in poverty; baby equipment for a new mum in poverty; a storage unit for a family in poverty with mental health needs; a double buggy for a family in poverty; a food shop for a family who had nothing to feed their children; a double bed, single bed and bedding for a family who had been through domestic violence; a food shop for a family who were living with a family member who had then been evicted, so were made homeless; a double bed and toddler bed for a family who had been through domestic violence; 2 single beds and a double bed for a family who had been through the social care system and were brought back together; a food shop for a family in poverty; a cot and bedding for a parent who was sleeping on a mattress with their baby due to poverty; a food shop for a family with mental health issues who had benefit cuts; a birthday gift for a child under child protection; and another food shop for a family in poverty.

It’s been a manic few weeks, but we did it! Provided over 900 Christmas presents, hundreds of Christmas food treats and numerous weekly food shops. The presents went to children who would otherwise have woken up without a gift on Christmas day, for various reasons, including poverty, neglect, care leavers, domestic violence or abuse. The treats and toiletries went to the larger families and the ones in most need. The food shops went to the families who literally had bare cupboards and fridges. We hope we managed to make a difference to what should be a special day for everyone. And that 2020 is a more positive year for you all.

It has been a very hectic time – Since November, apart from receiving hundreds of Christmas present referrals, we have also provided:- 3 x mattresses to a family in poverty due to domestic violence; bedding, baby clothes and nappies to a family in poverty; clothes for a family who escaped domestic violence; bunk beds for a family in poverty; hoover, toys, bedding and household items for a family who had been living in a hostel; 31 x weekly food shops for families, who were either in poverty, had children on a protection plan due to neglect, or who had escaped domestic violence and had nothing; a pushchair for a family in poverty; an SAD lamp for a family with a child with additional needs; a birthday present and birthday food shop for a family in poverty due to ill health; curtains and bedding for a family who had been homeless; a washing machine for a family who had been through domestic violence; birthday gifts for a child in poverty; help towards a bike for a young lad in poverty who’s only means of getting to school was cycling; bed, freezer and special bulb for a family in poverty who had been through domestic violence; a bike for a child in the refuge; a microwave and hoover for a family who had been through domestic violence; clothes for a family in poverty; 3 beds for children on a child protection plan; 4 x beds for a family following domestic violence who were sleeping on the floor; clothes for a child due to poverty and neglect; a birthday present for a child in poverty; bedding for a family who had been through domestic violence; a bed and a fridge for a family who had been through domestic violence; bunk beds and bedding for a family in poverty; toys for a child on a child protection plan; football boots, socks and pads for a child in poverty who was unable to join the football team at school; clothes & shoes for a family who had escaped domestic violence and had no winter clothes; a hoover for a family in poverty who’s child was on a child protection plan; a birthday present and cake for a child in poverty; beds and washing machine for a family who had escaped domestic violence; numerous gift cards for birthdays, purchasing household items etc; kitchen equipment and beds for a family who had been through domestic violence; a fridge freezer for a family in poverty; baby equipment for a family in poverty; 2 x beds for children on the at risk register; clothes for children in poverty; bunk beds for children in poverty who are also young carers; toiletries and household items for a family in poverty; household items for a family in poverty; a toddler bed mattress for a family in poverty; beds for a family who had suffered domestic violence and struggles with their mental health; a blind for a family in poverty; 2 x single beds and a double bed for a family who escaped domestic violence and a buggy for a child in the refuge. Please bear with us if we don’t get back to your messages straightaway – two of us run the charity in our spare time, and we are also dealing with hundreds of Christmas present referrals.

The generosity of people never ceases to amaze and humble us. A lovely lady emailed to say she was no longer able to make the Aladdin pantomime, so wanted one of our families to have them, so they could have a wonderful treat. We chose someone who has had a very traumatic year and has been so appreciative of the help we have given them recently. They are all so excited to be going!! To the lady who donated – thank you so much – you could have easily sold them on, but decided to make this wonderful gesture.

Thank you to Beauty Banks for their continued support. They donated another fantastic supply of toiletries and gift packs for teenage and younger children for Christmas. Thank you so much!!