As Christmas approaches, the spirit of giving and sharing becomes more important than ever, especially in the face of ongoing economic challenges being faced by most families.
We know that the cost of living has become an increasing pressure and Christmas may be difficult for many families, but for those families, whose lives have been turned upside down by the crimes they have experienced, this year will be more desolate that most.
Children who have experienced trauma due to crime often struggle emotionally during the holiday season and a gift from Santa can provide a sense of normalcy and joy. Many of the families we support will not be able to afford any presents this year, and their will be little to celebrate.
Embrace’s Dear Santa Christmas Toy Appeal aims to make a difference in the lives of children and families who have been through traumatic experiences due to the crimes of others, and who are facing financial difficulties at Christmas. This heartwarming appeal encourages people from all walks of life to help us Share Santa’s Love so that these children can have at least one special gift under the tree.
This Christmas we are asking families, communities and business to share Santa’s love and buy a gift for a child that might otherwise receive nothing. Dear Santa is unique as it enables supporters to buy a gift that has been specifically requested by a child, something that they would have asked Santa for. The impact it can have on children, and their families who have one less thing to worry about, one less cost to cover, is huge.
One mum wrote: “I cannot tell you how happy my son was when Santa left a new scooter for him on Christmas Day. He has been very active and scootered to school today! My most sincere and grateful thanks to both Embrace and everyone involved in making this possible. It added to the magic of Christmas for us both!”
Each child referred to Dear Santa is asked to choose a gift, up to the value of £25, that they would like to ask Santa for. We add these to Santa’s special wish list which is posted on our website and encourage supporters to help share Santa’s love by purchasing a gift, which is sent to Embrace to be wrapped and sent in time for Christmas.
Jenny Raine, Head of Delivery for Embrace said: “Dear Santa embodies the true spirit of Christmas in bringing joy to others. Our aim by providing gifts is to help to restore a sense of wonder and happiness to children whose lives have been devastated by crime. Together we can make a difference in the lives of these children, reminding them that they are not alone.”
Embrace CVoC supports children and young people who have suffered trauma due to the crimes of others. They may be grieving the loss of a mum, dad, brother or sister. They might have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse or have been living in a home torn apart by domestic abuse. These children have already had to deal with unimaginable horrors in their young lives and police, social services and schools refer them to Embrace to get the therapeutic and practical support they need to begin their journey of recovery.
To find out more visit www.embracecvoc.org.uk
How you can help
Every child referred to Dear Santa 2023 gets to choose a gift they would like to receive from Santa and these gifts are available for you to buy at www.embracecvoc.org.uk/dear-santa-2023.
Here you will find a list of Dear Santa gifts together with the recipient’s age, region and the crime they have been a victim of. Santa’s elves will wrap the gift and send it directly to the child to that it arrives in time for Christmas.
You can also donate to the appeal at www.justgiving.com/campaign/dearsanta2023.
If you are a business who would like to support Dear Santa please contact emma.fleming@embracecvoc.org.uk.
