Your charity gift could make a difference: Jess’ story

11-year-old Jess is a young person supported by Action for Children. She lives with her mum, Sarah. Sarah is is a single mum who suffers from complex health issues. But Jess has stood by her side and helped her with the jobs she can’t do, like cooking meals and supporting her through hospital admissions.

When Sarah's health worsened, she had no choice but to give up work. This made the cost-of-living crisis even more difficult, especially as her condition meant it was vital to keep her home warm. Thankfully, Action for Children were there to help.

Sarah said: “The support worker went above and beyond to support us both. She was there for emotional support and also making sure that we could pay our bills and eat. Without my wages covering the food and electricity bills, my biggest concern was heating the home and feeding us.”

The cost-of-living crisis and increased food and energy bills make the winter months particularly difficult for families like Sarah and Jess. But thanks to the incredible generosity of our Secret Santas, we can continue to be there for them when no one else is.

We’re there when families can’t afford the basics. We top up the gas meter when children are shivering in a freezing house. Put food on the table so children don’t go hungry. Buy a Christmas present when a parent can’t. We’re a vital lifeline for desperate families with nowhere to turn.  

But none of this would be possible without the generosity of our Secret Santas and their charity Christmas donations.

Last Christmas, we gave Jess’ mum vouchers for food and presents. This meant they could have a Christmas dinner and Sarah could afford to buy the Christmas gift Jess had always wanted – her very own yoghurt and ice cream maker.

Sarah and Jess also got a surprise hamper packed with Christmas treats like mince pies, a Christmas pudding, and vouchers for fresh food.

For Sarah, “Action for Children made our Christmas magical. I’d also just come out of hospital so to receive all those gifts and food vouchers was extra special, and Jess was over the moon about her ice cream maker.”

Sadly, we’re seeing more children suffering. 4.3 million UK children now live in poverty. That’s almost 1 in 3 children. It’s the worst number ever recorded, with 100,000 more children in poverty last year than the year before.

But we also see the incredible difference your support makes. You could help a vulnerable child like Jess by donating to our Christmas appeal and becoming a charity Secret Santa. Your gift could buy the essentials of warm clothes, a hot meal, or a special present just for them.

Childhood is short. There isn’t long to make happy memories. But with your support we could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas – a magic that will last a lifetime.