Mission Christmas Cash For Kids appeal sends gifts to 18,000 children

Generous South Yorkshire and Derbyshire folk have donated gifts to ensure more than 18,000 disadvantaged children wake up with a present this year thanks to Mission Christmas, writes Graham Walker.

Hallam FM and Greatest Hits Radio’s annual appeal – run by its charity Cash for Kids and supported by The Star and its regional sister news titles – faced a huge challenge with record levels of requests for help, as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

More families have been pushed into poverty but Mission Christmas has helped to save the day.

Hallam FM Breakfast host Big John today revealed gifts will be distributed to more than 18,000 youngsters in the region.

The largest Christmas toy appeal in the UK, Mission Christmas covers Bauer Media’s network of local radio stations and is an annual campaign to give Santa a helping hand in getting presents to children who may otherwise go without.

Every penny raised stays local.

Big John at Breakfast said of the Hallam FM region achievement: “For many families 2022 has been a continuous and devastating financial struggle, with many facing the prospect of not being able to give their children a present this Christmas.

"We’re so happy that thanks to the incredible generosity of our listeners, we’re able to deliver joy to more than 18,000 children in our community. We couldn’t have done it without you, thank you!”

Cash for Kids Charity Executive Lee Fletcher said: “We were all very nervous going into Mission Christmas this year due to the current cost of living crisis.

"Will people be able to donate? Will businesses still be able to support us? Will we be able to fulfil all applications? I am thrilled that we needn’t have worried.

This year, more than ever, we have been overwhelmed by the community spirit that is very evident across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

“The generosity shown by individuals, businesses and organisation has truly humbled both me and the team of wonderful volunteers. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us with Mission Christmas 2022 and look forward to doing it all again in 2023.

"Merry Christmas everyone, we did it!”

B & M Bargains and B & M home stores supported the campaign again this year across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, with all of their stores hosting drop off points for gifts.

The team at Cash for Kids worked tirelessly throughout December ensuring that gifts reached the homes of the children who need them most. The charity works with many local grass-root organisations as well as social workers, head teachers and the emergency services who nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.

Already struggling families fear the cost of living will get worse in 2023, with predicted fuel rises in April,

But those who can help are being reminded they can continue to help make a difference to lives of disadvantaged children in the area by making a donation to Cash For Kids.

To make a contribution or see how you can get involved in future campaigns, visit cashforkids.org.uk and hallamfm.co.uk/cashforkids.

Cash for Kids, the cause related marketing arm for the Bauer Media, raised over £21.4 million in 2021, supporting more than 522,627 sick and underprivileged children in local communities across the UK.