Make a sick child smile this xmas

roosterbean

I wonder if Postpals gets Charity status, maybe they could expand to help children in other circumstances? Just a thought.....

I would also like to help them.

foreign_correspondent

hmm, To be honest, I dont know if there are any national initiatives, but I used to donate our unusable stuff to some wonderful local charities (sadly, many soft toys, anything even lightly used, or anything at all that may pose a risk of infection could not be used in the hospital, but would be absolutely fine for a robust healthy child - we also could not use hand knitted toys, but they were lovely for other kids).

Locally there was a homeless families charities, who helped families get accomodation and provided low cost furniture etc, who gave the children of these families christmas gifts, another was a christian charity (I am not religious at all, but these people did a fabulous job and were not trying to convert anyone) who supported vulnerable families and individuals. You may be able to google and find similar projects locally.

Children of homeless families and children of women fleeing from domestic violence may also be in hostels, womens refuges or temporary accomodation - often christmas can be very hard for the children of familes who are away from their familiar homes and friends and relatives and have often been left with little but the clothes they wear. Also, some of the accomodation does tend to be very drab, basic and depressing sadly, so less than ideal in many ways.

I will have a look and see if I can find any info for you....

back soon...

foreign_correspondent

ok well I am struggling to find much nationally - it may be useful to google to find local charities helping vulnerable or homeless families and children, then contact them direct.

However, 'refuge' distribute gifts to women and children affected by/fleeing domestic violence - there is an email address here
http://www.refuge.org.uk/page_l1-4_l2-305_l3-3000_.htm

It may also be worth contacting your local branch of Womens Aid, Shelter, NCH Action for Children, Barnados etc.

This is interesting, the story of a vulnerable young care-leaver - Barnados and Compass are trying to get christmas presents for young people like this - I am sure that nice sets of Lynx, other smellies, bubble bath, hair gel etc would be more than welcome for young people in this situation.
http://www.barnardos.org.uk/compass/compass-intheirwords/compass-rhyssstory.htm

Having worked with young people in this situation I know that christmas is often a particularly desolate time for them, and they get little support - as sadly teenagers are often seen by society as being trouble rather than troubled.

sheyo

I have just joined up to be a 'elf' so hope to hear soon regarding names! I would also be interested in donating to those in need locally especially teenagers if anyone has any adresses I would be able to contact??? thanks

foreign_correspondent

sheyo wrote: »

I have just joined up to be a 'elf' so hope to hear soon regarding names! I would also be interested in donating to those in need locally especially teenagers if anyone has any adresses I would be able to contact??? thanks

Here is a link -
http://www.scratchcharity.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=38

I expect they would love to recieve stuff for teenagers - most people find it much easier to buy for little ones!

Drea

I can't figure out how to join as an 'elf'?

Am I being stupid...

Lizbeth

You need to send an email to Lorna - lornarogers@hotmail.com
http://www.postpals.co.uk/news.php

maria_and_the_imps

i sent an email using the contact us section, is this wronge???

Drea

Thanks, waiting to hear back now

Drea

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1261355

Just thought this might help the elfs in here I was thinking it'd be a great idea if I get a young one. Still waiting to hear