Currently over 14 million people live in poverty in the UK, 4 million of those are children.  Can you imagine getting to an exciting time in the year and wondering how on earth you can afford to treat your children at Christmas?

Unfortunately this is the reality for many families and since 1996, we have been reaching out to underprivileged families working in partnership with a number of churches in Derby through donations of new toys for boys and girls between the ages of 0-17.

TOY DONATIONS - OVER 460 CHILDREN BLESSED IN 2019

In 2019 over 460 children received a bag of Christmas presents, including two main presents, a book, cuddly toy and chocolate, kindly donated by local churches, schools, businesses and individuals. We were able to support families we were already working with through our Jubilee debt & benefit advice service, as well as others nominated by churches and charities that we partner with. This year because of the effect that Coronavirus has had of the economy, in the last month we have seen a sharp increase in the number of families facing poverty and seeking help with food and debt advice though our Jubilee clinics. With churches not meeting, or only in smaller numbers, we fear that we may receive fewer presents from this major source this year, so please can you spread the word and help us bring hope and happiness to these struggling families with some toys and gifts this Christmas.

2020 DONATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

705 Children received gifts - 53% increase on 2019. 

We have been so blessed this year with the response to Christmas Connection. Even at this time, where collecting has been more challenging, the generosity through our website, and Amazon Wish List, as well as people donating beautiful gifts directly has been amazing. We want to thank you, so very much.

THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR

Unfortunately, we know that there will be a need to support families again next year and so from mid-November, we will start to collect donations of brand new toys, books and cuddly toys for children aged 0 to 17 years old again.

You can sign up to our newsletter so that you'll be made aware of how to support us next year and in the meantime, you could support those in need in the following ways:

1. DONATE TO OUR CHRISTMAS FOOD BANK

Why not buy some special Christmas items for us to include in our Christmas Food Parcels? Biscuits, Christmas Crackers, Christmas themed food (all non-perishable) would be great. You can deliver to:

Derby City Mission Basics Bank Warehouse

10am-12pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays

DCM Hub, 10 Normanton Rd, Derby, DE1 2GW

2. DONATE TO OUR FRIENDS

The Salvation Army in Derby are also providing toys for children this Christmas, why not buy a toy from their Amazon Wish List here>

3. MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION

You can also donate financially to our other projects, where we work with the homeless, those with debt issues, due to family breakdown or benefit issues or our community through our Street Pastor project. All of our appeals can be found here>

Together, let's make a difference.