1,615 children and young people received gifts and over 500 families received hampers through our Christmas Appeal 2022.

This would not have been possible without all our supporters and organisations who made donations, provided gifts and hampers, all the schools, therapists and social workers who nominated families and the 107 volunteers who gifted a total of 483 hours of wrapping and deliveries to make this happen.

Highlights of this year’s appeal:

Annie, our youngest gift wrapper and donor

When 5-year-old Annie’s mum asked her what she would like Father Christmas to bring her this year, she replied: “To send gifts to all the children that need them this year instead of bringing them to me.” Annie's mum looked for a local appeal and got in touch to tell us about Annie’s wish and to gift to the appeal, so we invited them both in to wrap. Annie has such a kind heart; we are proud to have met her. 

Lane and the Sleigh Belles

Basildon supporter, Lane, has supported our Christmas Appeal for over five years. She initially worried that this year would be tough, but with the help and support from her marvellous ‘Sleigh Belles’ and her employer Laing O’Rourke, she once again smashed her total number of collections against previous years.  Lane and team fundraised, shopped and filled 464 food hampers this year and gathered 50+ gifts. She told us: "People like helping people’ and this in itself keeps the magic of charitable giving thriving."

Lane’s friends and volunteers include Clair, Kirsty, Stephanie, Sarah, Sasha, Gillian, Sam, Christina, and of course her local community!

Volunteer Wrappers

The first week of wrapping was supported by enthusiastic individual volunteers. Whilst there were a few familiar faces (mentors, previous Christmas Appeal volunteers), some had never volunteered with us before so the ‘big wrap’ was their first introduction to Kids Inspire.

The second week of wrapping was buzzing with our corporate supporters, who all wrapped, packed, and delivered gifts to schools across Essex.

When asked about their day, one volunteer told us:

“It was a humbling experience, I didn't realise just how difficult some children and families find getting by day to day, not just at Christmas.”

Nominations

The nominations for our appeal come from our own therapists, local health, social workers and schools.

 Victoria Haylock, Kids Inspire’s Chief Operating Officer, said:

“Thanks so much to all our supporters for their gifts, donations and contributions. It has helped us to wrap, pack and deliver to the record number of nominations we have received this year from across the county.

“Christmas is a time that no child or family should go without, and at Kids Inspire we rely on the generosity of our amazing supporters to help make our Christmas Appeal happen. Gifts have gone out to children like Ajay and Samira, who due to the rising cost in living are sadly below the poverty line and are struggling with housing, and also like Karl who had his life turned upside down after he sadly lost his mother close to Christmas.

“Each year we are humbled by our supporters who are always so willing to lend a hand, now in its 12th year by pulling together we can meet the increase in demand and support even more children to have the Christmas they deserve.”

Thank you to everyone who played a part in our Christmas Appeal 2022. You have helped give families all across Essex, the Christmas they deserve.