A charity supporting disadvantaged families in Aberdeen has launched its biggest-ever festive campaign.
AberNecessities is hoping to deliver more than 3,000 Christmas Eve gift boxes to families, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to celebrate.
Since its inception in 2019, the charity has supported over 8,000 local children, giving much-needed support to families in Aberdeen city and shire.
But chiefs say more and more families are turning to them for help.
Co-founder Michelle Herd told STV News: “We have seen a massive increase in referrals. The cost of living crisis on top of Covid has been crippling for families.
“It’s quite frightening actually, the level of deprivation out there – just the fear factor for families.
“We can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety for families coming into Christmas.
“We can take a little bit of that away by giving lovely Christmas Eve boxes and some gifts alongside that.”
With one in five children in Aberdeen and shire experiencing poverty, the charity is hoping it can spread some festive cheer with the launch of its annual Christmas campaign.
The ‘Believe in Magic‘ campaign aims to ensure every child gets to experience the joy of Christmas, regardless of their circumstances.
Michelle said: “Every child dreams of Christmas, but for one in five children in our community, that dream will just not come true.
“Christmas is such a special time, and we want every child to feel the wonder of the festive season. ‘We are really excited to give out the Christmas Eve boxes.
“It brings the family together so they can share the activities in them. There’s hot chocolate, cosy pyjamas, slipper socks, a Christmas story, a mug and a few festive sweet treats to help bring some magic to Christmas.
“We know from previous years that the boxes are really well received and help give the whole family something to celebrate, during what will be a very, very difficult winter for many.”
The charity is appealing for donations to hand out to children this Christmas.
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