The Christmas Appeal. Meet Lane and hear her story

We continue to be thankful to work with Lane Line, one of our Ambassadors, throughout the Christmas Appeal. We recently spoke to Lane. Read on to hear what she had to say.

Background 

Lane initially volunteered to help with our annual Christmas Appeal in November 2018. This sparked Lane’s interest as it was a local charity which she felt could help inform her 7-year-old son of the ‘real meaning of Christmas’ and an initiative that would resonate with him, given they were helping other children.

Lane gave her son almost sole responsibility – he helped her do the shopping with funds raised, and to prepare the hampers. In doing this Lane felt that he began to understand how lucky he is to receive gifts when other children may not be as fortunate.

He has helped every year since!

The initiative also grabbed the attention of her own network who joined her in creating their own hampers to donate. Together, they riased funds and shopped for 16 hampers in the first year!

Since then…

It’s been onwards and upwards for Lane.

The following year Lane was on a mission.  By starting earlier and enlisting a team of three, her contribution was over 100 hampers which she accomplished by reaching out for support and donations to the local community and businesses in her home of South Essex.

The following year, Lane took more responsibility and engaged friends from her son’s school as well as work colleagues. She organised raffles and other money raising activities. Lane quickly became a natural leader as she directed the team to create 216 hampers - their best yet! - as well as sourcing 50 gifts for children and their families.

The following year, despite the impact of the pandemic, Lane’s results continued to be positive. She worked hard to engage community spirit and ensured that people felt that they were actually able to do something to help during such uncertain and bleak times. Lane was instrumental in introducing hamper tote bags for efficiency and ease during this time and her team of 9 people were responsible for delivering 318 hamper tote bags and 200 gifts.

We can’t thank her and her team enough!

When does the Christmas Appeal process start?

Lane starts to think about her strategy in October and kicks it all off after Halloween. She receives one off items, whole hampers, money or gifts – whatever is possible. She ensures that the individuals or businesses know that their donation is worthy and hugely appreciated.

Lane believes that ‘people like helping people’ and this in itself keeps the magic of charitable giving thriving.

Why help the 2022 appeal?

Quite simply, Lane wants to keep the ‘magic of Christmas’ alive for all children, whatever their circumstances. She asserts that “it’s the perfect time of year to donate gifts and share with those less fortunate.”

Lane is aware that this year will be harder given the amount of people needing help as a result of cost of living challenges. Also asking for donations and gifts could prove difficult as people will have less disposable income than other years. Lane assures that “whatever you can give it will be very gratefully received.”

Final thoughts

Lane is clear that this is simply about supporting our vulnerable local community and giving back to those who live among us. We don’t always know individual circumstances and their back stories.

“The work that Kids Inspire do is truly amazing and the appeal provides additional support alongside core mental health and trauma recovery services, which underpin the charity.

“Mental health over the Christmas period can be hugely affected so any little treat can really make a difference, even a bar of chocolate can mean so much to someone. If this community struggle all year, they might really struggle at Christmas, its important to help and support where we can.” - Lane Line, Kids Inspire Ambassador

Biggest challenge?

Finding space to create, build and store hampers over the weeks between Halloween and Christmas – Lane likens it to organised chaos!

Biggest donations/gifts received?

One local business gave over 30 hampers last year and some provide storage facilities. Marks Discount Toys and Gifts generously provided toys.

Biggest highlight?

Lane thrives on being able to beat her target from the previous year and in doing so knows that she is helping more families within the local community and schools year on year. Her son’s Head teacher has praised Lane for her work and efforts and the children feel rewarded that they have made a difference to the local community.

If any local businesses or supporters want to work with KIds inspire in this way, please get in touch.