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
£200 needed for a skip hire
S has faced multiple challenges over the last year. Unfortunately there was a fire in her home, she was uninsured, and she now needs to clear various items that have been damaged. She also needs to clear the garden, which has become overgrown in the last few months. She would like to contribute the cost of the skip, but is on basic benefits, and there is no way that she can afford the whole amount. This will help her to get some order back into her life.
£200 needed for a bedroom carpet
We are asking for support for a family in our community. Mum is the sole carer for her child who has autism and speech and communication difficulties. As he requires full-time care Mum has had to give up work placing significant financial pressure on the family. His bedroom carpet is now extremely worn and poses a safety concern. We hope, through generous donations, to provide a replacement carpet making their home safer warmer and more comfortable. Any support would make a meaningful difference
£150 needed for two chests of drawers
This single mum and two daughters live in a very overcrowded house. Mum would like two chests of drawers to help sort out the girls clothes and de-clutter their bedrooms to create space for them to play. They have very little money and therefore can't afford to purchase this themselves.
£100 needed for chest of drawers
Mum is a single parent to three children and has recently moved into a new home. The family are in need of a chest of drawers to provide suitable storage for their clothes and help them settle into their new home. Mum is currently unemployed and managing on a limited income. With the costs of moving and meeting the everyday needs of three children, she is unable to afford the chest of drawers herself. Support towards this would make a practical difference to the family.
£200 needed for a tumble dryer
J lives with teenage son who has additional needs. Because of some of his needs, his clothing and bedding needs washing and drying regularly. They live in a flat and their tumble dryer has broken meaning it is difficult to dry bedding quick enough to reuse. They would really appreciate support towards this unforseen cost. Are you able to help?
£200 needed for coats and shoes for three children
This lady, who is one of our volunteers, comes from Bangladesh and is on her own with 3 daughters. She has been looking for work but hasn't had any success so far. Her girls all need coats and stronger shoes for the winter but she's struggling to cover her bills and food costs on her benefits. Being able to buy them would be a huge boost to the family as the weather gets colder and energy bills go up.
£200 needed for a wardrobe and chest of drawers
D is a single woman who will soon be moving from assisted living into private residence. She has been able to access some furniture but is still in need of a wardrobe and chest of drawers in the bedroom. She is in receipt of Universal Credit which just covers the weekly essentials. Are you able to help with these final bits of furniture to help D in her fresh start?
£200 needed for a freezer
This family have downsized to a bungalow, after a long wait for a suitable property for their non-verbal autistic teenager. The new property is in a village with no supermarkets. The child needs 24 hour care and neither parent drives. The kitchen has a small under counter fridge They have been saving to furnish the property, but need help to purchase a slimline, tall freezer for their living area, enabling them to buy and store food in bulk, reducing the frequency of their shopping trips.
£185 needed for a cooker
This lady and her child fled domestic abuse and were placed temporarily in a safe house to recover. She receives benefits. Now they have been allocated a home but it is empty with not even a cooker. We can provide a reconditioned one with a 6 month warranty. Please will you help.