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 10 days
£200 needed for a pendant alarm urgently needed
L is a severely disabled and housebound middle-aged woman who has many underlying health problems, including a crumbling spine. Two weeks ago she fell at home and broke her hip and wrist, and spent almost 3 hours trying to reach her phone to summon help. We wish to provide an emergency call button system for when L is discharged from hospital as she is still recovering from her injuries and may need urgent help at home.
£200 needed for a mobile phone and TV
My client at Christians Against Poverty is living in a 24 hour supported living accommodation. They have no television or mobile phone. This would help them greatly with feeling more at home and improve their mental health. The mobile phone would be useful for staff to contact him, as he can leave independently and also be able to contact his 20 year old daughter too. Please consider helping this client feel that he is cared for.
£200 needed for energy, food shop and a wedding outfit
Our lovely debt client had to stop working due to an injury. She now lives on a very low budget. We would like to help her this month with her energy costs and a food shop. Also her daughter is getting married soon and it would make such a difference if we could help her buy some suitable clothing for the wedding.
£200 needed for an electric cooker
N became homeless in 2022. He spent 3 months alternating between sleeping rough and sofa surfing then in temporary accommodation. This January he finally moved into a council property but it was unfurnished with no white goods. He is determined to use this as an opportunity to get his life back on track and is already training to be a barista, through a government funded program. £200 for a cooker would make a real difference to his quality of life and preparation for a meaningful future.
£200 needed for a freezer and curtains
K is a veteran that was homeless for several years, suffering from severe mental health issues as a result of trauma from the army. He is trying to get back on his feet and budget and pay the bills but is on such a small income that he is unable to buy anything for the flat. He has no curtains or poles and is struggling with the sense of exposure and he is also unable to freeze food which is costing him more. £200 will get him a small freezer as well as curtains and poles, improving his quality of life so much.
£200 needed for a washing machine
M lived with his parents all his life and has few life skills as a result. His parents have both passed away recently and he feels lost. He had to move into a new flat and we are supporting him with building some new life skills. One of these is washing his clothes. He doesn't have a machine and has never done washing. We want to support him in this but he needs a washing machine otherwise the clothes will just never get washed. This would make a huge difference to him. Could we help?
£200 needed for a cooker
This client is in need of a cooker. Her current cooker is a hazard as the oven is broken and the hob cannot be regulated and hence is dangerous. The client is in receipt of Personal Independence Payment due to a range of health issues including chronic back and leg pain, infection to the brain and hypothyroidism. She is considered to have a long term disability and definitely needs support to get a working cooker. Thank you so much for considering this request.
£200 needed for the supply and fitting of carpets for living room, stairs and landing
This family has endured homelessness and the challenges of temporary housing. They now have new permanent accommodation but without a working boiler and no carpets. Their home is cold and uncomfortable. Dad is coping with significant health issues, including Type 1 diabetes, previous sepsis, and the loss of a toe. Their one-year-old daughter is struggling with the discomfort of bare floors, and the family is struggling financially. We want to provide carpets to create a warmer and safer home.
£150 needed for a tablet
B is a new refugee in the UK. He was a social worker in his home country and is keen to volunteer and work in charities in the UK, and continue his work in supporting people. He would love to work in refugee advocacy, as someone who has navigated the system and has lived experience. He would like a tablet so that he can apply for volunteer roles and make job applications in the charity sector, to help lift him out of poverty and support others.