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. Their first memories of Christmas could be going to bed hungry, being too cold to sleep, and losing all hope when Santa doesn’t come.

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 feel loved and make memories that last 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.

4.3 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. More children are suffering. More families are at breaking point.

It’s easy to think that poverty happens elsewhere. But it’s affecting children in your community. For many, Christmas is just another day of empty cupboards and putting on an extra jumper to keep warm. And wondering why their friend got presents and they didn’t.

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. It’s relentless. And it doesn’t stop because it’s Christmas.

Childhood is short. 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 687,755 children, young people and families in the UK, through 372 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.