For the seventh year running Kids Inspire’s Christmas Appeal provided a Christmas gift for children in Essex who may go without during the festive period.

Some of these children may be living in care, neglected, living with a parent with a mental health issue or simply in a family who has fallen on hard times or deserves a little help at this time of year.

We received 475 nominations from schools, health care professionals and community groups.  We organised gifts and food hampers (where appropriate) and wrapped and delivered them before Christmas. We received over 1000 new gifts through many supporters including a giant present in the Meadows Chelmsford for shoppers to drop off gifts, Freeport Braintree and Widford Lodge School. This allowed us to help many additional families through the Mother and Baby Unit Broomfield, Victim Support, Chelmsford Cathedral Community and various other agencies.

Gold medal winner Fatima Whitbread MBE had this to say about our appeal:-

“I have always believed in giving you will receive…help others and spread a little love!

I myself lived in Children’s homes for 14 years and most of our toys and clothes were gifted to us and used communally. It was so important for all the children, it made us feel special and thought of by others…a sense of emotional fulfilment that someone cares, which was often absent in our lives.

We can all play a role in helping others by way of sharing time and resources…there is no reason for anyone to feel neglected, unwanted and loved…just listen and open your eyes, mind and heart moving forward.”

For more information on this project please contact admin@kidsinspire.org.uk or 01245348707 www.kidsinspire.org.uk