Become a Secret Santa this St Nicholas Day, 6th December
On St Nicholas Day, 6th December, Churches in England and across the globe commemorate St Nicholas of Myra – a 4th Century Bishop from Turkey – whose journey from Saint to Santa began with his legend for secret gift giving to those in need.
The Rt. Revd. Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall, has written the Archbishop of York's Advent Book Stick with Love, and the reflection today speaks of St Nicholas, and the generosity of giving secretly to those in need.
As one of the founding trustees of Acts 435, the Rt. Revd. Arun Arora said: “St Nicholas Day is an opportunity to reclaim the more secretive aspect of giving and the invitation for each of us to be a Secret Santa – perhaps through random acts of kindness and giving anonymously to people we know or through organised charities such as Acts 435.
“While still a young man Nicholas became known for his generosity to those in need, for rescuing sailors in the Aegean sea, and his concern for the destitute. His Saints Day is marked across the globe each year in different ways, not least in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and northern France, who on 6th December celebrate the festival of Sinter Klass.
“Here in the UK at a time when so many people are in need, Acts 435 puts people who want to help in touch with people who are in need, through a network of churches and local charities. Acts 435 enables virtual, online giving for specific needs. 100% of what is donated via Acts 435 goes directly to those in need. My encouragement to everyone on December 6th, and for this Christmas, is simply: “Be more St Nic!”
In many countries St Nicholas Day is celebrated by filling empty shoes with sweets, nuts and fruit but a gift through Acts 435 can make a bigger difference, helping someone in a crisis or in poverty with a specific item that they so desperately need.
Could you be "more St Nic" and give anonymously today towards the specific need of someone who is in need today?
Give to an urgent need today!
The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 5 days
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
J lived with his wife and children until the relationship broke down. For ten years he sofa-surfed, slept rough and rode night buses. He was referred to the rough sleepers team in 2022, was placed in temporary accommodation and now has permanent secure housing. Previously, a working independent man, he now has a medical condition which has left him unable to work. A fridge freezer would enable J to eat more healthily and better manage his limited income of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment.
£200 needed for a washing machine
J lived with his wife and children until the relationship broke down. For ten years he sofa-surfed, slept rough and rode night buses. Referred to the rough sleepers team in 2022, he was placed in temporary accommodation and now has permanent housing. Previously a working independent man, J now has a medical condition which has left him unable to work. A washing machine would enable him to maintain his personal hygiene and better manage on his limited income of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment.
£200 needed for an oven
S lives with her husband and three children. For the last six months, they have not had a fully working oven and have been using one hob ring to prepare meals for the five of them. The hob is inefficient and expensive, and is costing a lot to run. S is juggling working part-time and looking after her children. Her husband is, unfortunately, unable to work. The family really need a new oven so they can cook the food they are receiving from the foodbank. Please can you help?
£150 needed for electricity bills and food
S is on a very low income, receiving only the basic Universal Credit of £393 per month. He was recently released from prison, which means he doesn't receive full housing benefits and needs to top his monthly rent up himself. S is struggling to meet his basic living costs, buy food and pay his utilities, but he has no family support. Please can you provide a donation to help him get back on his feet?
£200 needed for a bed
E is a single mum with four children. One son has special needs, meaning mum has been unable to work and has run up debts. Her son has outgrown his bed and she wants to buy a larger one to make him more comfortable. Please can you help?
£200 needed for a washing machine and a cooker
Our client, who is dealing with severe mental health issues, has moved from temporary accommodation into a more permanent home to start regaining some independence. They are currently suffering from financial hardship and are in need of a washing machine to wash their clothes, as well as a cooker to be able to make hot meals at home. These items will improve their overall mental wellbeing and independence in their new home.
£180 needed for a wardrobe, chest of drawers, fridge freezer and a lamp
H is a single lady who has been offered a property, but unfortunately there was no furniture at all. H came here with some savings, but these are nearly gone and she is struggling to furnish her house and feed herself too. H is in urgent need of a fridge freezer, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a lamp for her house. She would appreciate any support.
£200 needed for food, a microwave and a kettle
Following a recent heart attack, three months ago, this gentleman finds himself in need of ongoing assistance. We are urgently requesting a regular food parcel, a kettle and a microwave. Our client was referred to us by Peabody after an outreach encounter where he was soliciting passers-by for food or financial aid. Although he has a flat, this gentleman's health condition prevents him from being able to work. Any support provided during this challenging time would be greatly appreciated.
£200 needed for supplying and fitting a living room carpet
A and his partner have been given a flat after being homeless and are in need of a living room carpet. They have nothing and are waiting for their benefits to be processed. They have no family able to help, as family have disowned them because they are not the same nationality. A few friends have given them some kitchen items. Please can you help them with a carpet?