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 11 days
£200 needed for a bed and mattress
Our client sadly had a breakdown last year after she lost a family member to cancer, she just could not cope, this was her last family member and she feels so alone, she tried to take her own life and was sectioned. Whilst she was in hospital she got rats in her home and they had a nest in her mattress. She was ashamed to tell me this, the council removed her bed and got rid of the rats, but she has been sleeping on her sofa as she cannot afford to replace the bed. Please can you help, thank you!
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
A young single mother with a one year old child has been re-homed from a mother and baby unit into social housing which has no white goods or furniture. This request is for a contribution towards a fridge freezer for their new home. So they can safely store food.
£200 needed for a washing machine
D is unable to work following a cancer diagnosis for which he receives regular treatment far from his home. Travel costs are significant and his wife has become his carer and cannot work. He does not have any savings and is dependent on benefits. The cancer diagnosis led to a significant increase in the amount of washing of bedding and the washing machine has broken beyond repair. This is a challenging time and a washing machine would so help his needs.
£150 needed for carpets for a child's bedroom
Mum is now a single parent. The family have moved after fleeing domestic violence from the children’s father and have spent a period in temporary accommodation. They are now moving into their own council property and beginning to rebuild stability. Her eldest child is currently on the neurodiversity assessment pathway, and her youngest, aged one, is now crawling and increasingly mobile. Safe, suitable flooring is essential for the children’s wellbeing, particularly for the baby who spends much of the day on the floor. Although Mum has managed to secure some flooring for parts of the property, she is struggling to afford flooring for the children’s bedrooms. After the costs of moving, setting up a new home, and managing on a single income, she is finding it extremely difficult to gather the remaining funds.
£200 needed for baby items
Mum 21, Dad 20 and their 8 month old baby need help to replace essential items that have been damaged due to significant housing issues outside of the family’s control. When their baby was born, the family were living in temporary accommodation. They were offered council housing last August, but soon after moving in, the property developed severe mould and extensive woodworm in the floorboards. The family repeatedly reported these issues while trying to make the property safe and homely. The issue was finally addressed and the family have now moved back into the property (mid‑April), but unfortunately most of their furniture and clothing has been ruined by the damp. This includes their baby’s bed, bedding, and chest of drawers.
£200 needed for fitting a new carpet
J suffers with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions which impact her mobility and require regular visits from care workers. She is moving into more suitable, single-storey accommodation with a local housing association, but unfortunately this does not have any carpet in the living room and she is not in a financial position to be able to afford this as she is on benefits. Please would you help us to make her new home a more warm and comfortable place to be?
£200 needed for a laptop
M is the sole carer of her 1 year old daughter. She does care work on a zero hours contract, but she can only work approximately 5 hours a week because of childcare. Due to her immigration status, M is not able to access benefits. M wants to empower herself by improving her computer and digital skills. Having a laptop will also help her better access online training. This will be used to obtain a pre-loved or refurbished laptop. Please help M develop her skills!
£125 needed for holding fee for accommodation
P is homeless, moving between temporary places. He’s found a suitable flat and can pay the bond but needs this fee to secure it. Without it, he risks losing the property and can’t access further funding. His Universal Credit won’t arrive in time. He’s been proactive and persistent in putting support in place, stable accommodation is now his key priority. This support would be crucial in helping him take that next step forward.
£200 needed for a washing machine
This young mum has four children under 14 and is constantly washing. Her washing machine is leaking, forcing her to use the launderette. With her Universal Credit already stretched by essential outgoings, every penny is spoken for. Could we help stabilise her finances by supporting her with a washing machine.