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 families?
Giving and receiving gifts is just one small part of Christmas that makes us feel loved.
From stocking fillers to cosy pyjamas, it's easy to add 'one more thing' to your list.
But this year, we're asking you to do something different.
Before adding to your Christmas wish list, pause and think:
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1How much?
Think about how much the item costs.
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2
Do I really need it?
Or is it just a nice-to-have?
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3
Could that amount help a vulnerable family?
Ask the person who would buy it for you to donate the cost instead.
Skip a gift and give to those who need it most.
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.
Unfortunately this means that money is often tight and life isn't easy for the family.
Last Christmas, Alexandra was unsure how she could make the day special.
She couldn't afford food, let alone buy presents for her boys.
One of Action for Children's Support Workers, Carol, was able to provide the family with vouchers.
This meant Alexandra could keep their family home warm through the winter.
Using the vouchers, she was also able to buy a turkey crown and enough food for them all to enjoy.
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 children's delight, Carol also provided them 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.”
Currently, 4 million children across the UK are living in poverty.
At Action for Children, we have over 2,000 frontline workers supporting children every day.
Last year, our generous supporters helped us be there for 544,297 UK children, young people and families, through 303 services.
By skipping a gift on your Christmas wish list and giving where it matters, you could help make magical memories for a vulnerable family.
