Make your Christmas wish list count for children like Joel
What if one small change to your Christmas wish list could make a difference to vulnerable children and young people?
Giving and receiving gifts is just one small part of Christmas that makes us feel loved.
Every child’s letter to Santa matters, but for many across the UK, poverty steals the magic of the festive season. On Christmas morning, they'll wake up disappointed to find no presents beneath the tree.
That's why this year, we're asking you to start a new Christmas wish list tradition.
To skip a gift and give to those who need it most.
From stocking fillers to cosy pyjamas, it's easy to add 'just one more thing' to your list.
But this year, we're asking you to do something different.
Next time you're about to add something to your Christmas wish list, pause and think:
- How much does this item cost?
- Do I really need it, or is it a nice-to-have?
- Could that amount help make a vulnerable child's Christmas magical instead?
Ask the person who would have bought it for you to donate the cost of that item by purchasing a virtual gift or making a donation.
It's a simple swap that could change lives.
Joel was referred to Action for Children because of his challenging behaviour.
His mum, Alexandra, is a single mum to Joel and his brother, Kiyan. As a result of caring for Joel's additional needs and facing her own mental health struggles, Alexandra is unable to work.
Money is often tight and life isn't easy for the family.
Last Christmas, Alexandra didn't know how she could make the day special. She couldn't afford food, let alone buy presents for her children.
Luckily, Action for Children were there to help.
One of our support workers, Carol, provided the family with vouchers. This meant Alexandra could keep their family home warm through the winter. She was also able to buy a turkey crown and food for them all.
If it wasn't for Action for Children, we wouldn't have had a Christmas dinner
Alexandra, Joel's mum
Joel, and his brother, Kiyan, wearing Christmas hats
To the boys delight, their support worker also arrived with a bag full of presents, making their Christmas truly magical.
Alexandra said: “Joel received a giant Scooby Doo, jigsaw puzzles, and arts and crafts. He was just beaming. Action for Children made our Christmas that year.”
A shocking 4.5 million children across the UK are living in poverty. More children are suffering. More families are at breaking point.
At Action for Children, we have over 2,500 frontline workers supporting children every day.
Last year, our generous supporters helped us be there for 551,400 UK children, young people and families, through 342 services.
By skipping a gift on your Christmas wish list and giving where it matters, you could help make magical memories for a vulnerable child.
