Imagine waking up on Christmas day. It's cold. Your tummy is rumbling. Santa did not deliver any gifts. Sadly, this is the reality for so many children, young people, and families across Glasgow.
The Scottish Government reports that 32% of Glasgow's children are currently living in relative poverty. Put another way, this is more than a quarter of the city's youth — equivalent to 1 out of every 3 children!
The aftermath of the global pandemic and soaring living costs are making it harder for some families to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and heating. Homeless applications in Glasgow have increased to their highest levels in almost a decade, and food bank usage has more than tripled in the last six years.
When you are already facing a tough decision between eating and staying warm in the cold winter months, the added pressure of providing a Christmas gift can be overwhelming. The children and families we support simply do not have the resources to offer a Christmas like many of us take for granted; indeed some have no family around them at all or are living in homeless/temporary accommodation.
"The gifts for the kids really helped me financially and really made a huge difference. My kids were over the moon with every single present. I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you have done for me and my family. Thanks so so much!"
Be Someone's Santa was set up to help provide gifts and essential support to those suffering hardship and poverty. What began as a small collection by a Glasgow South Side mum six years ago, now delivers over 2,000 gifts each year.
In 2021 we were successful in being awarded charity status. The charity is run entirely by a small team of unpaid volunteers. This means every penny of funds raised goes directly to the recipients of our appeal.
Having available funds is hugely helpful to our appeal. Funds are typically used for:
** Keeping cosy - we would love to ensure that every child on our caseload has a warm pair of PJs and slippers to accompany their gift.
** Emergency/late gifting - we often get last-minute children added to our caseload (sometimes only a week before Christmas!), by which time it is too late for us to find someone to pledge for them. Having funds means we can buy gifts for these children.
** Food & Heat vouchers - to ensure our most in-need families have food and heat to see them over the Christmas period.
Our wonderful Be Someone’s Santa supporters have brought so much joy in what is a very difficult time for these children. We hope you can support us in delivering smiles this Christmas morning to Glasgow’s most vulnerable children and young adults.
After all, every child deserves the gift of Christmas.
Join our Facebook group to keep up-to-date with our appeal and be part of our lovely community.
Or to find out more about our charity and gift appeal, visit our website.
* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.
