Give comfort and joy to those who need it most this Christmas
This year the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reported that around 2 in every 10 adults are in poverty in the UK, with about 3 in every 10 children being in poverty. Those who are experiencing poverty struggle every day to be able to buy food and heat their homes, and Christmas can make their situation feel more difficult.
As well as those who are experiencing poverty there are many who will also struggle this Christmas due to other situations such as the loss of a job, a gap in benefits or simply facing a crisis that they hadn't planned for.
This Christmas we're asking you to support an individual or family who are facing this festive season without the essentials, or who are facing hardship or a crisis. A gift through Acts 435 can often bring comfort or joy to those that our partners are meeting, as they experience the kindness of strangers, at a time of year which can feel isolating and difficult for those struggling.
It is more important than ever as we look at the statistics that suggest many will go without the basics of living, let alone presents for children or a warm meal this Christmas time.
Last Christmas we were able to support 761 individuals and families with over £129,000, all of which went directly to their need and bring comfort, joy and hope to difficult situations.
One individual supported last Christmas was Alexandra* who has learning difficulties, and had been scammed out of a lot of money, leaving her without gas and very little food, just before Christmas. Our partner charity in Manchester was able to post a request to help her with her gas arrears and to provide a food voucher. Her request was met in time for Christmas, and Alexandra said to our local Advocate:
Thank you for helping me, I am very happy now I don't owe my gas any money. I was very worried about this and I am so happy with my food voucher. I can do my shopping and I might buy myself a Christmas cake. You have made me feel very loved.
Not only did this gift provide for Alexandra's practical needs it gave her much comfort and joy knowing that she had paid off her arrears, and had money to buy some simple treats this Christmas.
Could you support an individual, or family, facing a Christmas without the essentials, or who need a simple hand up while they're in crisis?
Take a look at the requests on our website that will bring comfort or joy to individuals: acts435.org.uk/give
Bring Comfort and Joy this Christmas
Give to a request for help on our website
Support and individual or family