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 11 days
£250 needed for a gas cooker
J is a lady in her 60s whose children have left home. The under occupancy penalty came into force and she was unable to cover basic living costs. She then accumulated rent and Council Tax arrears. The council has managed to find her a smaller property. She left her electric cooker behind as there was only connection for a gas cooker in the new property. J is unable to buy a gas cooker as she is on Universal Credit. The cooker that will be ordered is £275 and we already have £25 for it.
£200 needed for food and utilities
J has been a guest of our service for a few years. We have supported him with numerous issues related to his asylum and housing situations and also with emergency needs, as he lives on a very low level of benefit. He has helped on our guest trainee programme and has used our counselling service also. J is in very difficult circumstances currently and although he is budgeting well, he just has little left for basic necessities. Your donations would be used for emergency food and energy bills.
£200 needed for school uniforms and equipment with PE Kits
H is an asylum seeker and a single Mum living in home office accommodation with three children. She has been the victim of a serious Domestic Violence experience in her home country. She suffered for nine years until she had an opportunity to escape from the abuse. She needs your help for vouchers to purchase school uniforms for two of her children in secondary and primary school. Please help to bring change to their lives.
£200 needed for electric and gas bills
R is a young man with two children and he’s has really struggled with mental health problems due to being in an abusive relationship. It’s has been extremely bad for his mental health and it’s affected him working. This has now made him behind on his bills, but since going back to church and finding God again he is really trying to make a fresh start and he now just needs help to get out of debt then he can really move on the best he can. He is now also getting counselling to help him through, the trauma he has been through and hopefully he can really make a good start to his new life with his boys. So I know he will be so grateful for your help.
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
L is a single lady, struggling to cope on Universal Credit. She has health issues and medication that needs to be refrigerated. Her old, second hand fridge freezer has failed and she has lost the food therein and is very worried and anxious about her medication. She has no savings or disposable income to buy a new one. We would like to bless her and replace this immediately due to the medical need.
£200 needed for a cooker and washing machine
This applicant is a single mother who became homeless following a relationship breakdown in December 2025. She has recently secured a new home for herself and her 8-month-old baby, offering them a fresh start. Living on a low income, she cannot afford essential items such as a cooker and washing machine. Support with these appliances would help her create a safe and stable home. Any donation would be gratefully received and make a real difference to this young family.
£200 needed for a school uniform, PE kit and food
B is an Asylum seeker living in home office accommodation with her son. She fled her country due to family conflict. She is awaiting the results of her asylum appeal to the court. She needs a voucher for food and clothes. Her child does not always eat the food provided by the hotel because it is unsuitable for him. They need your help. Please donate to to help them and bring some happiness to their lives.
£200 needed for a microwave and injera maker
L is a resilient woman in her early 20s who experienced homelessness before moving into her first flat. She works as a hairdresser and studies English, working hard to build a stable future. Moving into her home brought setup costs, and her kitchen lacks basic appliances. A microwave will help her prepare quick meals around work and college. An electric Injera maker (Mitad griddle) will allow her to cook cultural meals, save money, and feel settled. Thank you for your support!
£160 needed for a chest freezer
This lady is bipolar. She has four children. She receives the Personal Independence Payment with limited capacity for work and Universal Credit. She finds it hard to shop when she is not well. She would benefit from a chest freezer so she can buy in bulk and also batch cook when she is able to. We are able to provide a second hand one with a warranty. Please will you help her? Thank you.