'Thank you': 16,000 children wake up to Christmas magic thanks to incredible kindness
Thousands of children will wake up to presents from Father Christmas this year thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted readers.
This year’s Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas campaign, which is backed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, has ensured that 16,000 children will receive a special gift this year.
The charity said they had seen “unprecedented demand” with a record number of applications of disadvantaged children needing support this year.
Despite significant challenges, supporters went above and beyond to donate cash, drop off gifts and volunteer their time.
Donations flooded in from across the city including readers donating gifts at the YEP’s annual Christmas carol concert, Persimmon Homes donated £10,000 to buy presents and businesses teaming up to buy gifts.
Cash for Kids managing director Sally Aithchison MBE said: “I am hugely proud of this total, with a record number of applications once again, it has been a tough year.
“But our supporters have really gone to extra mile to make a donation, drop off a gift or volunteer in our Mission HQs.
“The campaign rallies our communities for good and is a stark reminder of the power of kindness.
“We are hugely grateful to each and every one of them.”
Cash for Kids North and West Yorkshire charity manager Lisa Suillvan added: “It has been a massive community effort and I couldn’t be more proud of our local community and supporters coming together in our hour of need to help 16,600 local children experience the magic of Christmas.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and everyone of you that has helped us make this happen”
Long-term supporters B&M and Wickes once again acted as drop off points for gift collection, along with lot of other supporters including Crown Point Retail Park.
The team at Cash for Kids worked tirelessly throughout November and December, helped by an army of volunteers, ensuring that gifts reached the homes of the children who need them most.