Project Secret Santa

Dear friends and family,

Last year John’s office asked for donations of Christmas gifts for children aged between 3-16 yrs in social care in Oxfordshire. These are children without foster families who are looked after by the council. I was shocked to learn that for many, ours was the only gift they received and we received feedback from social workers involved with distributing the gifts who were deeply moved by the kids emotional reactions. On asking around, there appears to be a gap in charities supporting children in social care at Christmas time.

The commercial build up to Christmas time feels wrong to me in so many ways, all the hype and adverts and suggestion that its a joyful giving time for all… and worse still for younger children that presents are only given to “good children” by Santa. I can’t imagine what goes through their minds when the jolly Christmas narrative that floods their schools, televisions and high streets isn’t something they’re part of.

I had hoped to start a project with one of John’s colleagues to set up a charity, but other events at home have rather taken over. So this year, as a temporary fix, I’m creating this donation page and asking friends and family if they could donate some money knowing that it will go directly towards a present for a child who isn’t with their family and feels forgotten about and excluded at Christmas time. I would like to start by helping John’s office provide gifts for children in Oxfordshire, but this time also include children in care locally in Hampshire.

I’ll also be writing to local businesses and shops to see if they can make any donations of wrapping paper / toys / beauty products / sporting goods / clothing or vouchers.

Thank you for any contribution you’re able to make. Lots of love Gxx ❤️