Overwhelming response to the region’s largest Christmas gift appeal

Shocking poverty figures reveal that in most of our neighbourhoods one in three children across South Yorkshire are living in poverty and a Christmas gift appeal hosted by Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids charity has had a heart-warming response by the public.

After launching Mission Christmas on Hallam FM on November 11, a whopping 370 drop-off points across South Yorkshire have signed up to collect toys and gifts for the charity to give to children at risk of not getting a visit from Santa this year and 400 volunteers have signed up to help sort through donations.

B&M Stores, Harron Homes, XPO Logistics, Frank Key Group, Miller Homes and Van Dyk by Wildes are amongst those drop off points with all registered places featured on an online map where you can enter your postcode to find your nearest location to make a donation of a gift.

Last year, Cash for Kids collected and distributed enough gifts to help over 28,000 local children aged from new born to 18 years old.

Initiatives from South Yorkshire’s top sports teams are also helping to drive gift donations, including Sheffield Wednesday hosting a collection on an upcoming match day, Sheffield Steelers hosting a teddy bear toss at their upcoming Christmas fixture and Sheffield United hosting a Mission Christmas match against Manchester United.
Cash for Kids are also hosting their largest ever online auction with proceeds raised supporting Mission Christmas.

Allan Ogle, charity manager for Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids, said: “There are so many families struggling financially at this time of the year and the priorities are keeping the house warm, food on the table and the children in adequate school uniform.

“Christmas falls far down that list and Mission Christmas is a fantastic opportunity to bring our communities together and show those going through a tough time that people where they live care and want to ensure all children have smiles on their faces on Christmas Day.

“We have drop off points based across the region covering the majority of high streets, business parks and retail parks making it easy to donate. Our website can help you find a local drop off point to where you live or work.”

To register as a drop-off point to collect gifts, download material including posters and fundraising packs or to make a donation or to find a drop-off point, visit www.hallamfm.co.uk/mission or for more information to get involved, call the Cash for Kids team on 0114 209 1100 or email [email protected]