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Christmas 2008

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 2008 Christmas Appeal!

The demand for our Christmas Appeal 2008 was greater than ever. We had so many families referred this year, and due to the current economic climate, we have to admit we were a little worried that we couldn't provide for everyone who so desperately needed help and a little extra cheer. However, we were touched by the outpouring of generosity from the community, from our corporate supporters and our dedicated staff and volunteers.

05 Jan 2009

Christmas 2008

Here's what we were able to achieve this year:
Christmas Parties
Our Children's parties were great fun! Over 500 children came to one of our parties this year. They watched a pantomime, this year was Dick Whittington and His Cat, which was enjoyed by all the children. They also played Pass the Parcel, got to dance and play parachute games with Mojo, an energetic entertainer and of course ate delicious party food made by our fabulous staff and volunteers. At the end of the parties, the children got to meet Santa and got a special present to take away.

The Christmas and Toy Appeal
Local families in need received a hamper of food - practical items as well as Christmas goodies. Donations to the hampers this year were fantastic. We didn't even have to buy extra supplies to supplement donations!

The Toy appeal was very successful again this year. The appeal means that families who can't afford to buy presents for their children get the help they need to make Christmas special for their children. All the children referred to us got a bag of presents to open on Christmas Day. Toy donations came in from all over the community, people dropped in presents, and we got many deliveries from our corporate supporters who held collections in their office.

Secret Santa
Children and young people from our centres prepared Secret Santa wish lists of the toys and equipment they dreamed of having at our centres. We then partnered up our supporters with centres, who played the role of Santa. The reponse to the wish lists was fantastic! Many centres now have sparkling new presents such as x-boxes, pool tables, arts and crafts supplies and new movies to watch. It was also fantastic fun for the volunteers to bring the presents to the centres.

Funds for Christmas also came in from coin collection boxes, and a Community Links quiz that raised over £1300!

There was also a great response to the article in the Newham Recorder.

Thank you everyone!

Making Christmas happen this year is due to the very hard work of our staff and volunteers, the generosity of the local community and our corporate partners by providing donations, funds and volunteers.

It’s never too early to start planning for next Christmas! If you’re interested in getting involved in our Christmas activities in 2009 please contact Toni Theisinger on 0207 473 9682 or email .