The bittersweet magic of the Christmas Appeal: A reflection

Vicky Haylock, Kids Inspire’s COO

As the dust settles on the 15th year of our Christmas Appeal, our COO, Vicky Haylock, reflects on the heartwarming feedback and stories that have poured in. The Christmas Appeal team works tirelessly behind the scenes, coordinating the distribution of Christmas gifts and hampers to children and young people across Essex. This year, professionals—schools, social workers, healthcare workers, charitable organisations, and our own team—nominated children and families facing difficult circumstances to receive this vital support. Read on to hear Vicky’s reflection.

Every year, our Christmas Appeal grows in scope and heart, and while it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the operation—the sorting, wrapping, and delivering—there’s another side to this effort that never fails to bring an overwhelming mix of emotions.

That side comes into sharp focus when I read the feedback from those who nominate families for gifts and hampers. These are the stories behind the bows and shiny wrapping paper, the lives we touch through the kindness of our supporters and volunteers. They remind me why we do this, why it matters, and why we must continue.

Two children who received gifts from the appeal

For many of the children and families we support, Christmas isn’t about abundance—it’s about survival.

a young child facing homelessness with their dad after the loss of a beloved grandmother

a family where both parents are battling cancer and struggling in extreme poverty

a single mother of three, grappling with mental health challenges, yet doing her best to hold her family together

These are not abstract statistics; these are real people, real stories, and real struggles.

One school shared how a mother, newly relocated to the UK with no access to public funds, burst into tears upon receiving gifts for her children. Another nominator described a young carer balancing school and home responsibilities, often putting their own needs last. For one foster child, the gift they received from our appeal may well be the only one under their tree this year.

We hear stories of resilience and heartbreak—parents living on tight budgets, spreading the cost of Christmas over the year; families displaced by crisis, trying to find joy amidst upheaval; and children who face emotional isolation over the holidays, longing for a sense of normality.

Then there’s the gratitude, which is as humbling as it is uplifting:

The ‘shop’ of gifts at Kids Inspire ready for volunteers to pick and wrap

“Without these gifts, there wouldn’t be anything under the tree this year.”
“You’ve no idea how much this means to us. Honestly, thank you.”
“These donations allow us to show kindness at a time when many feel forgotten.”

These words stay with me. They’re a stark reminder that while the appeal is about giving gifts, it’s also about giving dignity, hope, and a small reprieve from hardship.

This year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we provided over 3,300 gifts and nearly 1,000 food hampers to families across Essex. It’s a monumental effort, powered by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and the community that rallies behind us year after year. Yet, it’s the stories—the human side of this appeal—that linger in my heart long after the last gift is delivered.

As we wrap up another bittersweet year, I’m left with immense gratitude for everyone who made this possible. Whether you donated, volunteered, or simply shared our appeal with others, you’ve made a tangible difference. You’ve shown that even in the face of challenges, kindness can prevail.

Gifts chosen, wrapped and delivered to a school ready for distribution

To everyone who contributed to this year’s Christmas Appeal, thank you. You didn’t just give a gift—you gave families a moment of joy, relief, and hope in a season that can be so difficult for so many.

This is why we do what we do. And that’s why we’ll do it all over again next year.