Children across the UK need a Secret Santa like you

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. 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 you could help change that. Your gift could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.

Donate now.

At Action for Children, we have over 2,500 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.

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.

Be a Secret Santa and you could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.

Be a Secret Santa and you could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas

By supporting Action for Children last year, and being a Secret Santa, incredible people like you helped us be there for 687,755 UK children, young people and families, through 372 services. Vulnerable children and families given hope and support, because of your amazing generosity.

Childhood is short. We don’t have long to make magical memories. That’s why we need your support now. 

Donate to charity this Christmas and be a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child. You could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.

For every £1 we spend, 85p helps children and families

687,755

We helped 687,755 children and families in 2023/24

150 years

We’ve been helping children for more than 150 years

You can also gift a vulnerable child food, warmth, and love.

Browse virtual gifts

We’re lighting up the UK with Secret Santas

Every time a donation is made, a star can be added to our map

Total donations

£167491

Secret Santas

5007

Your donation helps us support vulnerable children, young people and their families in the UK.

85p of every £1* we spend goes directly towards helping children, young people and their families. We make sure that every penny you donate goes where it will have the greatest impact on children’s lives. Donations from this campaign will be unrestricted and used by Action for Children for its general charitable purposes. That means they’re not spent on one project or one specific area of the UK, but where the need is greatest.

*Figure based on audited 2023/24 charity accounts that exclude subsidiary companies like commercial nurseries.