Call to save Christmas for the 1 in 3 children living in poverty in South Yorkshire

The Star have joined forces with Hallam FM's Cash for Kids to ensure thousands of children wake up with gifts this year after the latest poverty figures revealed an increase in families across South Yorkshire who are struggling to afford Christmas.
Cash for Kids team Allan Ogle, Leah England, Michelle Osborne and Katy EgertonCash for Kids team Allan Ogle, Leah England, Michelle Osborne and Katy Egerton
Cash for Kids team Allan Ogle, Leah England, Michelle Osborne and Katy Egerton

A staggering 33,292 children in Sheffield are living in poverty, with many families unable to celebrate Christmas in their struggle to put food on the table and pay the heating bills this winter.

Mission Christmas, which was launched today, has already recruited more than 100 businesses to collect gifts and more than 300 volunteers to help distribute thousands of presents.

Last year more than 21,000 children received gifts through Mission ChristmasLast year more than 21,000 children received gifts through Mission Christmas
Last year more than 21,000 children received gifts through Mission Christmas
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Last year's £1.1 million campaign giving gifts to 21,438 children made Mission Christmas the biggest gift appeal across South Yorkshire.

Social services, NHS, community groups, organisations, food banks and local charities are eligible to apply for gifts for children under their care and support.

Allan Ogle, charity manager for Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids, said: “Poverty isn’t the most exciting thing to talk about but these figures clearly show that this cause is the biggest issue our communities are facing today.

"The feeling of a child where we live having no gifts to open on Christmas Day is a horrifying thought.

Last year more than 21,000 children received gifts through Mission ChristmasLast year more than 21,000 children received gifts through Mission Christmas
Last year more than 21,000 children received gifts through Mission Christmas
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"We can put some hope in to the lives of thousands of children across South Yorkshire and we need your help to make it happen.”

To register as a drop off point to collect gifts, download material including posters and fundraising packs or to make a donation, visit www.hallamfm.co.uk/mission or for more information call the Cash for Kids team on 0114 209 1100.

Mission Christmas is supported this year by Morfitt Smith, B&M, Polypipe, Nottingham Building Society, Harron Homes and Swinton Insurance.

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