A Leicester-based charity is making an urgent plea to local residents to help bring light and joy to thousands of disadvantaged children who face a bleak winter. Lifting Children's Hopes, known as LCH Charity, has launched its annual 'Give the Gift of Hope' campaign with the ambitious target of supporting 2,000 local children and young people.
Bringing Warmth and Joy to a Tough Season
Chief Executive Nichola Moore explained that for many families, the festive period is a time of significant strain rather than celebration. The charity's mission is to ensure that children affected by poverty do not feel forgotten. "We know that for too many children, Christmas can be a really tough time," Ms Moore stated. "Something as simple as a gift or a warm coat can make a world of difference."
The support package curated by the charity team, which includes staff members Michelle Cullen, Lauren Shaw, and Bianca Maloy, focuses on three key areas: providing magical Christmas experiences, supplying essential warm winter clothing, and ensuring every child has a present to open. The charity is calling on the Leicester community to unite behind this cause.
How Your Donation Makes a Direct Impact
The charity has outlined clear examples of how public contributions will be directly used to change a child's Christmas:
- £45 could fund a special festive day out for a bereaved child, including lunch and a visit to meet Santa.
- £20 could provide a complete winter bundle of a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf for a child walking to school in the cold.
- £10 could buy an age-appropriate gift for a child or young person to open on Christmas morning.
Monetary donations can be made securely through the charity's official website at www.lchcharity.co.uk/donate. The team emphasises that "every contribution - no matter how big or small" will help.
Alternative Ways to Support the Appeal
For those who wish to donate physical items, the charity is also running a collection drive. New toys, gifts, and winter wear (which can be new or gently used) are being accepted at the LCH Charity Office at 82 Cannock Street, Leicester, LE4 9HR. Collections take place on Mondays, with free parking available. To arrange an alternative drop-off time, supporters can email hello@lchcharity.co.uk or call 0116 251 9863.
Nichola Moore added a final heartfelt message: "Every scarf, every toy, every pound donated brings a little more warmth to a child who really needs it. Together, we can make sure no child feels forgotten this Christmas." The charity's work highlights the pressing issue of child poverty in the city and showcases the powerful difference community action can make.
