Give a meaningful charity Christmas gift: Sam’s story
Sam* is a 10-year-old young carer for his mum and brothers. His story shows the difference your charity Christmas gift could make.
Sam is a young carer supported by Action for Children. He lives with his mum Sandra*, who has epilepsy, and with his two brothers, who are autistic.
Life for Sam is anything but typical for a child his age.
Sam was referred to Action for Children who provided him with a space to talk about his caring responsibilities.
Action for Children took him on several day trips with other young carers to give him a break from his caring responsibilities.
Things like visiting the cinema and playing laser tag offered him a chance to be a child and connect with others who understand his challenges.
If Sam hadn’t received the support that he did then things would have spiralled out of control, and he wouldn’t be the resilient little boy that he is today.
Sandra added: "He finds some kind of peace when he’s with the Action for Children staff, who have given him a toolbox to help cope. I don’t think I would have been able to function either at points without the support from Action for Children."
Your virtual gift could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas
Christmas is the family’s favourite time of the year.
However, the financial pressure got to a point where the family felt like they couldn’t afford to do Christmas.
“We had no money or vision for Christmas. The kids had their ideas of what they wanted and were excited about, but it brought me dread… We couldn’t afford it, but I wanted him to experience the magic of Christmas.”
To help ease the financial strain, Action for Children provided supermarket vouchers to Sam and his family.
Sandra said: "This freed up some money for gas, electricity and fuel for the car. Sam also received a voucher, which he used to purchase a computer game. He was so pleased, and it made him feel like a ‘normal’ child of his age."
Action for Children also wanted Sam to feel the magic of Christmas and have something to look forward to. Therefore, we gave Sam the opportunity to go on a special Christmas train experience.
Sam, a few other young carers, and their support workers, boarded the train with a hot chocolate.
Sam was entertained with a few hours of singing and dancing by all the staff before the train suddenly stopped and Santa got onboard for a photo opportunity.
Sandra was so grateful to Action for Children for giving Sam a Christmas to remember.
Action for Children saved Christmas for us!
Incredible people like you helped us be there for 687,755 children, young people and families last year through 372 services. Thanks to your kindness, vulnerable children like Sam were given hope and support, because of your amazing generosity.
Sadly, 100,000 more children were in poverty last year than the year before. More children are suffering. It’s easy to think that poverty happens elsewhere. But it’s affecting children in your community.
But you could help change that. Your gift could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.
Simply donate and you could give the essentials of warm clothes, a hot meal, or a special present just for them.
Childhood is short. We don’t have long to make magical memories. That’s why we need your support now.
Many children will wake up on Christmas to no stockings. No presents. No festive food. Your gift could change this.
*This story has been made anonymous.
