TouchPoint Stansted launches ambitious £25,000 Kids’ Christmas Gift Appeal to deliver festive cheer to 1,000 families in Uttlesford

Can you help make Christmas wishes come true for hundreds of children across Uttlesford?

That is the call from Stansted-based community organisation TouchPoint, which has launched its annual appeal to help to ease the festive financial burden for hundreds of families feeling the pinch.

Put simply, it said: “The more we raise, the more families we can support. The TouchPoint Kids’ Christmas Gift Appeal is encouraging the local community to unite and make a difference. You can play a part.”

The charity is looking to exceed last year’s £17,000 fundraising total which saw around 680 families each receive a £25 gift voucher towards buying presents.

This time, it has set an ambitious £25,000 target to benefit around 1,000 children.

TouchPoint founder Paul Chambers said: “Our 2023 appeal was a huge success – this year we want to do even more.

“We estimate there are more than 3,000 children in our area in families who may struggle to afford the extra expense of Christmas. We want to reach as many of these as possible and ease some of the stress and anxiety that can come with the festive season when you’re struggling to pay your bills.”

It is inviting donations via its fundraising page at justgiving.com or its website www.touchpoint.org. It is also asking people to hold fundraising events such as bake sales, non-uniform days and quiz nights.

Said Paul: “We would like to provide £25 worth of vouchers to every child in need in our area this Christmas. This will mean they can receive a gift that’s perfect for them: their hobbies, interests and aspirations.

“Every penny we raise will go directly to the families and children where there is need.”

TouchPoint is a community wellbeing project that acts as a hub for people to access all types of services and support. The relationship it is forging with residents across the district means it is perfectly placed to hear people’s struggles first hand – and the feedback from last year’s appeal proves it is all worthwhile.

One parent said: “Having a voucher from TouchPoint made a huge difference to my family. Money is tight and it’s hard to save up, but this was a really lovely gesture and one we weren’t expecting. It added a bit of magic to our Christmas.”

A nine-year-old child reached out to the charity to offer thanks for their £25 gift voucher.

“I bought a big pack of fidget toys. I use them all the time,” they said. “Getting my voucher meant my mum didn’t have to save as much money as normal. We don’t have a lot of money.”

Among this year’s appeal supporters are The Singing Santas, who will once again be out and about touring Stansted to raise money for the appeal while spreading festive cheer.

In order to identify and reach those most in need, TouchPoint works with Uttlesford Foodbank, MIND in West Essex, schools and local support agencies which are on the front line in terms of knowing who the families are to help.

TouchPoint offers a wide range of services including its community foodshare project, which has expanded to seven weekly distribution points throughout Uttlesford.