Christmas can be a wonderful time of year, but for many children and families coping with difficulties in their lives, it can increase feelings of loneliness and despair which can become overwhelming. And with the cost of living crisis continuing, life is even more difficult for families already struggling to cope.
But we're here to help.
Because this Christmas, Happy Days Children's Charity will once again be supporting thousands of brave children with special festive days and communtiy activities, giving them a chance to get out, get together, have fun and create memories that last a lifetime.
From panto get-togethers and tales of Christmas past, to winter theme park visits and frosty outward bound pursuits, our group activities are helping to bring some vital happiness and hope to kids right across the UK, at a time when they need it most.
But we need your help to do this.
So from September to December, we ask individuals, families, groups and businesses to step up, get involved and become a Happy Days Secret Santa to help make this Christmas one to remember.
There are lots of different ideas and ways you can help right here on our Operation Secret Santa micro site, or you might have some great ideas of your own. Whatever you can do, from donations to sponsored fundraisers, events to gifts-in-kind, we'd love to hear from you.
Just pick up the phone and give Rob or Nicky a call on 01462 530710 or email us at campaigns@happydayscharity.org and become our next Secret Santa today!
Check out our Secret Santa Supporter Gallery here to see just some of the people who have already pledged their support this year, or have a look at some of the heart-warming photos from last year to see just a few of the festive smiles you helped make.
Here are a few ways you can help:
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Make a donation to help fund a special panto day at a local SEND school
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Fundraise or donate toys with your office Secret Santa
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Set up a monthly donation to help us plan events when our support is most needed
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Take part in our Vitual Santa Dash or kids can do a March of the Elephants walk
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Christmas Jumper dress down day? Sounds like a plan!
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Take part in a sponsored Xmas Movie Marathon
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Buy our Christmas Cards from our eBay shop
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Donate a Secret Santa Toy for us to pass on to the children we work with
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Display one of our Fundraising Christmas Tree Posters
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... or check out our Fundraising Guide for other ideas
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And here is how your support makes a difference:
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£50 helped us to give a child in bereavement counselling a day out to see a panto at a local theatre with his grandparents.
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£300 helped us give children in a disability support group a special day of Christmas stories from the Big Book Man.
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£1000 helped us give over 300 pupils at a special educational needs school a fantastic festive performance day, with a visit from a travelling theatre company.
Help us bring home the spirit of Christmas this year - it really is an amazing gift to give.