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
£250 needed for an oven
The client has special/additional needs and has finally been able to move into independent accommodation. His mother attends our Foodbank and is providing food for him. He has no furniture, cooking facilities etc. His mother thinks that cooking for himself will help his development.
£250 needed for Fridge/Freezer
We are supporting a husband, wife and two children as they endeavour to get out of debt. They have been evicted from their home of 15 years and moved into temporary accommodation. They own no furniture and are sleeping on mattresses on the floor. We gave them a chair and table however they need a fridge/freezer to preserve food.
£200 needed for an electric cooker
This lady is suffering from ill health with three children. She came to England as a refugee 10 years ago from Somalia. Her two girls are doing really well in education and are applying for University. They have very little in the house and have been managing with a small portable ring to cook. They would greatly benefit from a cooker for nutrition and their well being.
£200 needed for a bed, mattress and wardrobe.
D is a single woman who works part-time in healthcare while studying at college. After living in shared accommodation, she has recently been offered her own permanent home. She has worked hard to obtain many of the essential items she needs, but she is still without bedroom furniture, including a bed, mattress, and wardrobe. Support towards these items would help her settle into her new home and create a safe, comfortable place to live. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
£200 needed for gas, electric and food voucher.
P had to leave his job to become a carer for his partner who has multiple health issues, and also his mum who has since sadly passed away, this has put a massive financial strain on P and he has struggled to maintain payments on his bills for the home. We have supported with benefit applications but his could take some time to be processed, in the meantime P is going without food to make sure his partner has good nutrition. P would be so grateful for any help to top up his meters and buy food!
£200 needed for a new bed and mattress
We are supporting P and his partner with benefit applications and debt advice. P`s partner has multiple health issues and barley leaves the home, P is a full time carer and is unable to work. P is currently sleeping on the sofa so his partner can be more comfortable in the bed. They have a small spare bedroom that has just been used as a storage room. P is in desperate need of a single bed, mattress and bedding for the spare room so they can both sleep at night. Please could you help, thank you!
£200 needed for gas, electric and food shop.
S is sixty two and her husband is retired, S is having ongoing tests for health issues and she also suffers with anxiety and depression and is unable to work, they receive basic state pension and a little Employment support allowance. They are unable to meet the basic needs financially and once the rent and bills are paid they have very little left over for food and to top up the gas and electric meters. Now it is getting colder they have no heating on most of the time and very little food!
£200 needed for an electric cooker
S and her husband are currently experiencing financial hardship and are asking for support for an electric cooker. S receives employment support allowance and her husband receives state pension. They live in a private rented house and the rent takes up most of their income, they are on the waiting list for a council property but this could take years. They do not have any money left at the the end of the month to be able to afford to replace the condemned cooker, please could you help. Thank you
£200 needed for gas and electric top up vouchers and food
N lives with her husband and two children. She came to the UK to study, but due to unforeseen circumstances the family sought asylum and are currently awaiting an appeal hearing. As their visas have expired, they are unable to work and have been left in severe financial hardship. A Section 95 support application has been made, but while they wait they need help with gas and electricity arrears and food vouchers. Any support would help this family through this difficult time.