Spreading the joy this Christmas
With the festive season well and truly upon us, I love nothing more than being inspired by all of the wonderful gift guides out there and then planning what gifts I can give to my family and friends.
However, when driving into work last week I heard on the local radio that 1 in 4 children in the UK are living in poverty and therefore it’s very unlikely that they will receive a Christmas gift from “Santa” this year.
At the time this didn’t really resonate with me, until last Sunday when I was wrapping my Christmas gifts, whilst watching Arther Christmas (yes I know it’s a kids film, but it’s bloody brilliant). In the scene where they discover a gift has been left behind for a little girl,
Arthur Christmas (son of Father Christmas) passionately states “a child can not think that Santa has forgotten them” on Christmas Day.
It was in this moment that the 1in 4 statistic hit me, and I very quickly become a blubbering mess at the thought of a little kid sitting at home and thinking that Santa had forgotten them too. I then began reading more about the charity who had shared the upsetting statistic and decided to make a donation to the Cash for Kids website (http://www.cashforkids.uk.com/) to help children in my local community.
So rather than me share a gift guide on what you or I would like for Christmas, I wanted to create this post to share with you a few alternative ways to give a thoughtful gift this year; to the charities and children who deserve not to be forgotten.
NSPCC Light up for Christmas 🎄
Whilst in London at the weekend, I noticed that the NSPCC have partnered with the Oxford Street lights and Sky for their Light up Christmas for Children campaign. By simply texting “NSPCC 4” to 70744 you’ll give a £4 donation to the charity. You can also share your #LightsOn selfie featuring you and your loved ones in front of Christmas lights in order to spread awareness of the campaign. However, if you’re not a big selfie fan, then you can buy a cute gold star pin badge (I bought mine from John Lewis) but other retailers such as Matalan and Halfords sell them.
Donate at: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Mission Christmas Cash for Kids 🎄
Each year Cash for Kids - Mission Christmas hold the largest toy appeal throughout the UK and it is supported by Bauer Radio stations. They ask for people to make a small toy donation and drop it off at any Wickes store or at the numerous drop off points across the UK.
If you’re unable to make it to any of the drop off points, then you can donate by simply texting “MISSION” to 70808 to make a £5 donation or you can donate online, which is what I did!
Donate at: http://www.cashforkids.uk.com/mission/
The Salvation Army 🎄
Every year the Salvation Army help individuals and families to make sure they have enough food, a place to stay or a small gift so that people who are going through hardship are not forgotten. You’re able to make a donation of any value, but by seeing the example below, it just shows that you don’t have to give large donations to make a families Christmas.
- £19 could provide a box filled with food and modest gifts for a family in need.
Donate at: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/
I hope that you found this post inspirational and understand that you don’t have to give a lot, but by giving a little this Christmas you could make such a difference to a child or their family, who won’t think that Santa has forgot them. I’d love to hear what other charities are out there for this, please feel free to share them below.
Have a Merry Christmas, everyone 🎄
