What we do Poverty Prevention Children at Christmas Children at Christmas 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 705 CHILDREN BLESSED IN 2020 53% increase on 2019. In 2020 over 700 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, 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. 2021 DONATIONS ARE NOW OPEN Christmas Connections is now open and we are collecting 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: HOW TO DONATE 1. Buy a gift or gifts You can purchase the gift(s) that you would like to donate and deliver them directly to Derby City Mission, 10 Normanton Road, Derby DE1 2GW. Maybe your business, community group or church might want to hold a collection? If so, please donate, brand new, unwrapped gifts before FRIDAY 10th DECEMBER 2021. 2. Let us buy the gift for you If you can't get to the shops, or are not sure what to buy you can donate financially to this appeal here - DONATE FINANCIALLY HERE 3. Buy a gift through our gift list We have created an Amazon wish list to make it easier for you to buy a gift. Please make sure gifts are sent to the Gift Registry address so they come directly to our offices. If you order by AmazonSmile and choose 'Derby City Mission' as your Charity of Choice, you may be able to raise extra funds for us when you buy gifts marked Eligible for donation. - AMAZON WISH LIST HERE Together, let's make a difference. In partnership with...