Update: 492 children in need around the UK woke up to a very special Christmas Eve box from Santa this year! But I still need to raise money to break even. On average each box cost around £25 so reaching our target would be amazing! Due to the incredible feedback I’ve had from families and the support we’ve received so far, I will also be looking at setting this up as yearly initiative.
I'm hoping to raise £5000 to send Christmas Eve boxes (and other essentials like blankets and food) to children in need. I have been shocked by the sheer number of families who are experiencing significant financial difficulties and who are already worried about how they will feed their children over Christmas and ensure they have a gift from Santa. In a bid to support families I offered to send out 5 Christmas Eve boxes and received nominations for over 200 children within 20 minutes of my offer. We're now up to over 400 children and sadly, I've had to pause referrals while I try and raise some money.
Many families have opened up to me about their struggles. Some parents have fled domestic violence, others have had to stop working due to illness or have a child who is serious unwell or who has a long-term disability or complex health needs, and most have been hit hard by the withdrawal of the extra £20 a week in universal credit. Many of these children have seen their friends receive fancy gifts from Santa and believe that they are 'naughty' or that Santa does not like them because he did not bring them the same things (even when parents try and offer explanations).
During the pandemic these children's worlds have been turned upside down - their routines have changed due to schools closing, they've been unable to see friends and family and they've not really been able to be children - what child wants to be stuck inside for months at a time (not everyone has a garden).
This Christmas we want to send out Christmas Eve boxes to children who need one. So far I have designed letters from Santa and Nice list certificates, and started preparing the bells for the Christmas Eve jingle. We also want every child to receive some Christmas pyjamas and fluffy socks, a blanket (as some cannot afford heating), a Christmas movie, a Christmas bedtime story, reindeer themed hot chocolate, Christmas themed treats, a baking kit (to leave that important treat out for Santa) and much more if we're able to. If we raise more money than we need then that money will go towards sending out even more boxes.
One of our main costs is going to be the cost of delivering the boxes as we have children all over the UK (we need about £2500 just to deliver the boxes). I have also already had to pay for the Christmas Eve boxes before they sold out, and the chocolate and sweets as I need time to make all the individual packets. We really appreciate all donations no matter how small! If you are unable to donate at this time then please do share and spread the word so that children do not have to go without this Christmas!
Many thanks, from Áine and team xx
PS. If you'd rather pick out your own bits to donate we now have an address just for Santa's workshop:
Áine Kelly, Suite 75, 266 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7DL