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 3 days
£200 needed for a locksmith
We are requesting support for an urgent replacement porch door lock for a new female CAP client with chronic physical and mental health issues who is unable to work. She is receiving repeated visits from enforcement agents for Council Tax arrears and has been left frightened and distressed. Her PVC porch door lock is broken and cannot be secured from the outside, leaving her and her possessions vulnerable and the risk of agents gaining access. This repair is urgently needed to help keep her safe.
£200 needed for rent
This gentleman on a Skilled Healthcare Visa has been impacted by changes to his visa conditions reducing his work hours & leaving him unable to cover rising rent and other costs for his family of four. He is actively seeking employment with Visa sponsorship so he can return to stable working hours but faces immediate financial strain. His wife and children are affected by this instability and his own mental health is deteriorating. We would like to help with his rent while he is struggling.
£200 needed for a sofa, armchair and a coffee table
This gentleman has been coming to our centre for some time. He is vulnerable and suffers from mental health difficulties. He has experienced addiction issues but has recently been moved into a new home. He is in receipt of Universal Credit and has bought some items of furniture, but is struggling to afford all the basic essentials to create a comfortable living environment. We would like to provide an armchair, a two-seater sofa and a coffee table as he currently has no comfortable seating.
£200 needed for delivery and installation of new carpet
Our client has a small property and two very young children. They have worked hard to create a suitable home for them, but have not been able to afford carpet for their stairs and landing. While they have coped so far, there have been a number of slips and falls on the stairs for both our client and their eldest, so their health visitor has asked if we can help.
£200 needed for a dryer and a coffee table
This gentleman is a refugee/ asylum seeker from Kuwait. He is now in receipt of Universal Credit but through trying to furnish his home has incurred some debt. He has a family, and they live in a small flat. This gentleman is struggling to keep up with drying the family laundry at this time of year. Clothes hanging around the flat are not properly drying and are now causing mould issues in the rooms. We would like to provide a tumble dryer for the laundry and a coffee table for the lounge.
£200 needed for AI smart glasses
J is in her early 40’s and is diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTs) . This has caused her to lose the ability to read things like cooking instructions, medication etc. These smart glasses verbally narrate what is on the label. She is in process of applying for benefits after her drop in sight.
£200 needed for a B&B, food and clothing
This retired gentleman came to us as he has been served an eviction order. Being a recovering alcoholic and suffering from depression makes him vulnerable to be street homeless. We are working to find accommodation via the council. In the meantime we hope to offer three nights at a B&B to keep him safe due to deteriorating mental health and physical needs. He isn’t eating well due to low income and is not dressed for the cold weather. We would like to offer him a food voucher and warm clothing.
£150 needed for an under counter fridge/freezer
This client has been living in supported housing and hostels for many years and is now a pensioner. He has recently secured his own tenancy but obviously does not have many household items for his new place. He has an issue with alcohol and substance misuse but is receiving help and medication and wants to make his new place home. He is in need of a small fridge/freezer to store food but also for prescribed medication. Thank you so much for considering this.
£200 needed for a refurbished laptop
Y is an asylum seeker who arrived in our area three months ago, having left his family in Iraq. He receives £9 per week in financial support. This client has engaged with our organisation, attending different activities such as English language classes, chess club and lunch, sport, fitness and exercise, English communication sessions, digital programmes, CV writing sessions and cultural events each week. Y needs help to buy a refurbished laptop in order to continue to learn English and strengthen this vital skill.