Christmas gifts, food hampers or a welcome donation are all headlining the Kids Inspire Christmas Appeal this year. C

New gifts for children aged 0-16 (value approximately £10 – £20) including toys, games and gift vouchers are being requested. As well as food hampers filled with mince pies, tinned vegetables and a selection of other items (which can be found on the Kids Inspire website) are being asked for this ‘feel-good Christmas Appeal’.

Additionally, this year, the appeal is asking people to get involved in another way and to gift a financial donation towards the Christmas Appeal and charitable services in general. 

Vicky Haylock, Operations Manager, said: “As with all things at Kids Inspire, our Christmas Appeal started with a child at the centre, a child who we knew wouldn’t quite have the Christmas they deserve. Every year we are completely humbled by the community who are just so willing to lend a hand, this year is our ninth year and we are especially looking forward to it in our much bigger new home!”

In response to a request for nominations, one school said:

“We would love to be part of this Appeal again – it has helped so many of our families/children.” – Teacher, Moulsham High School.

While last year, in the full flow of the Christmas Appeal, Lisa, an Essex Health Visitor, reported:

“While talking to a family I work with I was told by the little boy that Santa was poorly so would not be coming this year. A quiet chat with mum revealed this to be true for the family.

“Fortunately, the Christmas Appeal came to the rescue for this family; providing presents and food. I cannot thank them, or their supporters enough and only wish they could all see the gratitude and relief I saw on that mum’s face when I delivered to the family home.”

Gift recipients are aged between 0-18 and have been nominated by Social Workers, Children’s Centres, Kids Inspire’s clinical team, schools and other organisations working with children across Essex. Likewise, the hampers will go to the families of nominated children. 

In 2018, the Christmas Appeal distributed 700 gifts and 200 food hampers to children, siblings and families across Essex