Torbay 'Secret Santa' funds local families

£4,000 raised with Christmas hampers

Volunteer at Action for Children’s Torbay children’s centres Roz Pusey just finished packing the last of nearly 100 surprise Christmas hampers ready for delivery to local families supported by the charity.

What started as a hamper drop for 15 or so families eight years ago using donations from the children’s centre staff and parents, Roz and her small team have grown the project into one that helps around 100 families across the area each Christmas.

Working throughout the year on the project, the mum from Paignton encourages local businesses to donate and this year her goodwill, dedication and hard work raised a record £4,000. Personalising each hamper so that every member of the family receives a small gift, they’re then filled with everything parents need to celebrate on Christmas Day, including treats, food and shopping vouchers.

Roz’s motivation for her hamper drop comes from her own experience of struggling financially as a single parent, and of being made homeless.

Roz Pusey from Action For Children (courtesy: Action For Children)

She said: ‘When I first became homeless, I had to live in a tent because I had no other options. Everything was against me. But it was Christmas time that was probably the worst part of it because just trying to smile and giggle and generally get through the day"

‘It’s been yet another challenging year so being able to see children’s little eyes light up and the look of relief from their support workers really does make a world of difference to everyone at this time of year.’

Roz’s manager at the Action for Children centre in Paignton, Denise Gillette, said: ‘As our very own Secret Santa, Roz works incredibly hard all year to make sure more and more children and families in need have everything they need to make Christmas special.

‘Sadly, every year we see children and families overcoming so many challenges that sometimes Christmas is forgotten. Our family support workers being able to gift these amazing hampers to families brings festive sparkle and joy not only to the children and family but to our workers too.’

One parent who received a hamper this year, said: ‘Oh my goodness, thank you to everyone so, so much from the bottom of my heart. It means so much to both me and the family. The kids just told me their Christmas is now extra special. I had to go and have a little cry, it means so much!’

Another said: ‘Thank you so much for our hamper. It made me feel so loved and overwhelmed. Life this year has been a struggle for everyone. These last few weeks have been unbelievably tough, the love and kindness others have shown us as a family has been incredible. I’m so used to spreading kindness, I’m feeling very humble receiving it.’

Action for Children’s frontline workers see the impact the pandemic and cost of living crisis is having on children and families every day. They’re asking the public to be a Secret Santa for these vulnerable children this Christmas by texting CHILD to 70607* to donate £10 or by visiting iamsanta.org.uk