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 9 days
£175 needed for a fridge
Arriving in the UK as an unaccompanied child when he was 12, this man has had a very difficult life. He escaped violence in his country of origin but since arriving here he has developed severe mental health problems and, following an assault, he also has ongoing physical problems including epilepsy and the loss of one kidney. He has suicidal thoughts and finds managing his affairs very difficult. His fridge has broken down now and he would be very grateful for help to replace it.
£150 needed for a shopping voucher for food, toiletries and bedding
D has been struggling to find work due to his poor mental health. He's reluctant to get help due to seeing what medication did to his father, which has caused long-term trauma for him. He just about manages to scrape by on his low benefit income but recently has fallen behind on a monthly bill due to a technical error at the receivers end. This has thrown the clients budgeting out and he is in need of a little help to get by this. Would you be able to help him with food and much needed bedding so he is able to pay these arrears?
£200 needed for a washing machine
E and her husband have health issues that prevent them to work. They are on benefits and use our foodbank. One of their three teenagers recently got stabbed and was moved out of London by the police for his own safety, so this family is having a very hard time. Apart from blessing them with parcels from the foodbank we would like to support them to replace their broken washing machine. Can you help?
£200 needed for a sofa and bed
This family of five are from Ghana. They have three children, 8,5 and 3 years.Their father has recently started work as an NHS cleaner but the move from Universal Credit to wages has left a temporary financial gap.They have been allocated a house but lack essential furniture including a bed and sofa. They have food support but the school holidays have increased financial pressure.The school support this application as parents engage and are always grateful. A donation would help them through this transition.
£180 needed for clothing and supermarket vouchers
A house fire has meant that this young man has had to leave his home as it is not safe to return to. He is living in temporary accommodation. He was not able to take anything with him so he is finding it hard being without his belongings and he is in shock about what happened. We are requesting donations for clothing and supermarket vouchers. It has been a difficult few days as so much has happened.
£200 needed for a double bed and mattress
This man lives alone on Universal Credit and incapacity benefit. He is finding it hard to manage in the current economic climate. He is a big man and his bed offers him little support, so sleep is difficult. Please can you help him get a new bed so that he is able to get a good night's sleep? Thank you.
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
A is a survivor of domestic abuse who is moving from temporary accommodation into her own home. As she does not have a fridge freezer, support with this essential item would help her settle into her new home. Could you please support A with funding towards a fridge freezer to help her live independently?
£200 needed for kitchen and bathroom essentials
This young person has moved on from a 12 month tenancy at a supported accommodation where they provide furniture so he has no household items. He is pleased to have his own flat and sees it as a stepping stone to independent living. He has no funds for essential items and would be very grateful if we could help him get a microwave, kettle, toaster, crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and utensils for the the kitchen and bathroom essentials like towels, toilet brush and tooth brush holder.
£150 needed for an air conditioning unit
This family with three children were due to move into a new flat but were told last minute they would not be moving. Their current flat is cramped, in very poor condition and doesn't have windows that open. In the heat it's very hard to cool the flat, which is very difficult for them. A small air con unit would make a big difference. They cannot afford this themselves as Dad is unable to work due to a health condition and Mum works part time as she needs to care for her husband and children.