Give just five pounds this Christmas
"Thank you so much for the money, it means the absolute world to me to be able to feed my three children and get them a few bits for Christmas. This time of year is so hard, especially with electricity and gas bills, so your kindness and generosity mean everything. Thank you so much, C."
We're aware that for many this winter turning the heating or hot water on will feel like a luxury and for others simply won't be able to afford it. But, what do those in that position do when their washing machine breaks, or their child grows out of their school shoes?
Last year, before the cost of living crisis really began, many sources reported that a fifth of UK adults had less than £250 in savings (Yorkshire Building Society, Joseph Rowntree Trust). This winter it is likely that those who are struggling will have little or no savings to see them through a crisis, a broken appliance or to just simply turn the heating on.
This impact will be felt more widely than ever; not just those on the lowest incomes will feel the squeeze this year - and we're anticipating the need for one-off financial help to increase. You can read more about our reflections on this here.
We're also aware, as Jenny highlights in her video below, that while those on lower incomes will be hit hardest, that actually many of us are also feeling the squeeze due to the increasing living costs in the UK.
Therefore, this Christmas, we're asking if you can join in with a community of other donors to support those most in need, and give #justfivepounds. If many of us give just five pounds, together with donations from others, we will help to lift a burden and bring hope to an individual, or family, this Christmas.
To give#justfivepounds to a need take a look at the ones below, or look at the other ones on our website: acts435.org.uk/needs
"Hi everyone, I write this letter with great joy and pleasure. Your kind generous donations have placed a wonderful fridge freezer in my kitchen for this coming Christmas and New Year. You have also given me trust in humanity. Words cannot express my gratitude to wonderful people whom I have never met. You are wonderful and I do thank you and applaud you all. It now leaves me to wish each and everyone of you a wonderful Christmas and a spectacular New Year. You have made mine! Thank you and respect to you all, R."
'W' said thank you so much to all concerned for help with his bills over Christmas. He has all of his children living with him now and is safe and settled and your help has eased his worries at this stressful time of year and has allowed them to enjoy their first Christmas.
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.