A Christmas Wish…

‘Tis the season to be jolly, tra la la la la……

Up until today my main feeling regarding the upcoming festivities was one of stress. Stress about how I am going to manage multiple bedding changes to accommodate various relations coming and going and whether or not there will be a Marks and Spencers food store open anywhere on our route back from deepest, darkest North wales on Christmas Eve.

Then I read this post by Kate Takes 5.

And I felt like a prize turkey.

This post has stayed with me all day.

While I am wasting energy worrying about essentially nothing, there are kids out there approaching this Christmas, quite understandably, with a true sense of dread.

Kate, along with Netmums, are trying to help some of these children by supporting Kids Company.

Kids company work tirelessly all year round trying to support vulnerable children. As well as providing emotional support they try to make sure they have essentials such as a winter coat, pants and socks. They also aim to provide them with one hot meal a day. Many of these children are ‘missed’ by social services as they may not be suffering actual ‘abuse’ but simply do not have anyone to look after them as their parents may be suffering from their own mental illness or addictions.

They really need more money to continue this work and are reliant on goodwill and charity.

The following quote quite simply broke my heart:

“One Christmas, Dad completely destroyed our flat; chairs, plates, everything broken, even the unopened presents were trampled and smashed. I remember this bit because I had always wanted a whistle and I saw it through the wrapping paper all broken. We’re told Christmas should be about family and friends, happiness, love, good food, relaxing and presents. But to me it’s been alcohol, fighting and arguing. Kids Company Christmas brings me closer to my dream Christmas, a happy family, a lovely spread of food, no worries, people helping each other to cook, decorate and the feeling of being together”
Rose, aged 12

So, rather than praying for less housework or the perfect turkey this year I have another wish.

I wish that perhaps some of you, my lovely lovely readers, will join in the campaign and help Kids Company this Christmas. It is really very simple, here is how you can help…

• Text KIDS GIFT to 70070 to make a £1 donation.
• Bloggers-spread the word on your blog.
• Facebookers, please ask your facebook friends to join the campaign and donate too.

With your help on Christmas day, children will enjoy hot food, individually wrapped presents, Santa’s Grotto, storytelling and games. Children can make hats and puppets, create a Christmas mural or join in fun activities such as football and a bouncy castle. Kids Company create all of this with the help of over 200 volunteers who work tirelessly to make a magical and unforgettable Christmas wonderland.

For other ways to help Kids Company throughout the year more details can be found on their website.

Please help.