What is Secret Santa & why is it important?

Secret Santa is Action for Children’s Christmas appeal. Each year, we ask people to become a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child. Because for vulnerable children across the UK, Christmas is anything but magical. No stockings. No presents. No festive food - maybe no food at all. But your gift could change this. You could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.

It’s easy. You can become a Secret Santa by donating directly to our appeal via our website. Visit iamsanta.org.uk.

The magic of Christmas begins in childhood. Hanging stockings. Sharing festive food. Presents under the tree. It’s a time for children to make precious memories. For them to feel happiness and love – the kind of magic that lasts a lifetime.

But for vulnerable children across the UK, Christmas is anything but magical.

By donating to our appeal and becoming a Secret Santa, you could give a vulnerable child the essentials of warm clothes, a hot meal, or a special present just for them. You could help them feel the magic of Christmas.

And for every £1 Action for Children spend, 85p helps children and families.

4.2 million children now live in poverty in the UK. That’s 600,000 more than in 2012. And 29% of all children.

At Action for Children, we have thousands of frontline workers supporting children every day.

We’ve seen children without a bed sleeping on the floor with just blankets. Families phoning us crying because they have no money to feed their children. We’re seeing more children suffering. More families at breaking point. A level of poverty that should be confined to history.

And we know missing out on essentials like these can quickly define a child’s whole life.

Childhood is short and precious. There isn’t long to make happy memories. That’s why we need your support now.

Last year, your generous support helped us be there for over 765,905 children, young people and families in the UK, through 426 services.

Vulnerable children and families are given hope and support, because of amazing people like you.

If you’re able to become a Secret Santa, you could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.