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 table and chairs, wardrobe and television
This young lady, a refugee on her own in this country, has recently been permitted asylum and has now moved into her own accommodation. She has no funds to buy the essential items needed for her new home, and with your help we have provided her with a bedside table, bedding and towels, crockery and cutlery, cooking utensils and food. This lady is now volunteering at our centre to help others. We would now like to provide her with a table and chairs, a wardrobe and a television, to help her feel more settled.
£200 needed for a washing machine
This lady, who has been coming to our centre for a few months, found herself alone and street homeless after a family rift. We have worked with our partner organisations and secured new living accommodation, as living on the streets is not ideal for anyone. This lady has little money to buy living essentials and, with your generous help, we have provided her with a bed and mattress, but would now like to provide her with a washing machine.
£200 needed for a cooker
L, who is living with significant challenges, both mentally and physically, has fragile mental health and has undergone two hip replacement surgeries, which makes daily tasks even more difficult. The property she has moved into is completely unfurnished and has no flooring. L urgently needs essential household items to help her settle and maintain a basic standard of living. A cooker would make a huge difference to her well-being, and help create a safe and stable environment during this very challenging time.
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
L is living with significant challenges, both mentally and physically. She has fragile mental health and has undergone two hip replacement surgeries, which makes daily tasks even more difficult. The property she has moved into is completely unfurnished and has no flooring. L urgently needs essential household items to help her settle and maintain a basic standard of living. This would make a huge difference to her well-being, and help create a safe and stable environment during this very challenging time.
£200 needed for a double bed and mattress
This family requires help due to a significant leak/flood in their home which is being addressed by the landlord. It ruined the bedding and bed which is now mouldy, with mould and damp in the home, which is due to be corrected by the landlord. The family has no spare cash to be able to buy a new bed and mattress, so we would like to supply them.
£200 needed for a washing machine
L, who is living with significant challenges, both mentally and physically, has fragile mental health and has undergone two hip replacement surgeries, which makes daily tasks even more difficult. The property she has moved into is completely unfurnished and has no flooring. L urgently needs essential household items to help her settle and maintain a basic standard of living. This would make a huge difference to her well-being, and help create a safe and stable environment during this very challenging time.
£200 needed for flooring
L, a single parent of two children, who is currently being supported by her local food bank, is on benefits and has no savings. Hers son, who has additional needs, recently left the bath running and flooded the property. The family is currently walking on bare floorboards and it is unsafe. L needs some support to purchase large rugs for her property to make it safe and so it feels like home again. Any support would be appreciated. Thank you.
£200 needed for a washing machine
L, a gentleman in his late sixties who relies on state pension, is living alone with no family support. His washing machine stopped working last year and he has been hand washing his clothes ever since. His mental health struggles mean he doesn't leave the house and is unable to take the clothes to a launderette. Unfortunately, L is using a lot of water so his water bill is now very high and he is struggling to make payments. He has tried to save, but his bills keep rising.
£175 needed for a table and comfortable chairs
This client, who has no recourse to public funds. was housed by Lewisham Social Services. He has been in a studio flat in Lambeth for just over a year, which does not have any furniture and the client only has a mattress. He has no income as he does not have recourse to public funds and is not permitted to work. This client, who relies on food banks for food, would really love a table and some comfortable chairs to make the place more homely. Thank you so much.