Become a Secret Santa this St Nicholas Day, 6th December
On St Nicholas Day, 6th December, some churches in the UK, 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 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
£145 needed for a mattress
This lady is in the UK on a working visa, working full-time as a carer and doesn't have access to public funds. She has a two year old daughter who was born in the UK. Mum recently moved from a furnished, private rented flat to an unfurnished one, and wasn't able to get credit in order to buy furniture. An application was made to Central Aid for help with donated furniture, however, they charge for new mattresses, albeit at a reduced rate. The payment is to cover the cost of the mattress.
£200 needed for care costs
R has severe debilitating anxiety and cannot stay at home at night on her own. She has been staying here, there, and anywhere, and it is exhausting. She has one friend who is supporting her a lot, but she is going away soon, so R really needs the support of a carer. This money will pay for a local carer to be with her and support her while her friend is away.
£200 needed for moving items to storage
This lady has been through an incredibly difficult few months with family break up, meaning she has had to leave her home and she now finds herself homeless. She is being supported to find a new property in time, but for now needs to keep her belongings in storage. This lady is struggling to meet this cost, given the difficulty of her transition to single benefits, and so this funding, if raised, will pay for a local 'man with a van' to sort this for her.
£200 needed for Council Tax arrears
Our beneficiary has recently divorced and has had to leave the family home for temporary accommodation. He is paying Council Tax arrears monthly; however, a substantial amount remains. Although he is working, this debt, coupled with incoming bills in his new place, leaves him struggling financially each month. Our beneficiary is in danger of falling into further debt and doesn't receive any state benefits. He has heart problems and diabetes, so could do without the added worry of this debt. Please can you help?
£120 needed for clothing and bedding
Back in July we supported this lady with emergency accommodation after fleeing domestic abuse. She has now been given temporary accommodation, but now needs assistance with clothing, duvets and pillows. As this lady has been moving from one accommodation to another, she has not been able to secure work and her benefits have been messed up due to the constant moving of address.
£200 needed for food and gas and electric bill
N is a member of our church and a single mother of three teenagers, 2 of whom suffer from asthma. Mum has worked as a cleaner and a kitchen assistant, but suffers from back and knee problems and is on sick leave at the moment. N is struggling to pay her bills, and got into debt with British Gas. We would like to encourage her with a food voucher and a top-up on her gas and electricity account. Thank you for your support!
£180 needed for an Emergency First Aid At Work Course and safety boots
L has recently experienced four months of homelessness, living out of an old car after losing his employment, which came with accommodation. He is now settled in supported accommodation and would like to return to warehouse or factory work. An emergency first aid course, as well as new work boots will assist L in finding sustainable employment and help him towards independent living.
£170 needed for a duvet, duvet cover and pillow cases, pillows, two sheets and a towel bundle
S, who has debts and is now a Christian Against Poverty client, lives in a bedsit and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and mental health issues, and is awaiting an autism diagnosis. She has to take her washing to the unemployment centre and has recently been really unwell for some months. S is hoping for a bit of help with new bedding and towels. She is a vulnerable adult whose parents live quite far away. Sadly, S lost her sister when she was only twenty years old, and very much struggles with everyday life.
£150 needed for a television
Could you please help client X by contributing towards the purchase of a television for them and their eleven year old child? X's sole income is benefits, so they cannot afford to buy a television themselves. At the moment they can only watch television on their phone, which is a very small screen. X, who struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and bi polar, is currently living in a caravan on a temporary basis. A television will help their temporary accommodation feel more like a home.