You’ve done it! Mission Christmas Cash For Kids 2023 appeal brings joy to more than 18,000 children

But Mission Christmas – the annual Cash For Kids gift appeal by Hallam FM and supported by our news titles – has saved the big day for more than 18,000 disadvantaged children in our region, writes Graham Walker.

They faced waking up without toys or other gifts as the cost-of-living crisis saw increasing calls for help.

And you’ve done it, bringing joy to South Yorkshire and Derbyshire families following a call for more help than ever before.

It gives Santa a helping hand in getting presents to those in the community who may otherwise go without.

The largest Christmas toy appeal in the UK, Mission Christmas covers Bauer Media’s network of local radio stations.

Every penny raised stays local.

The charity reported soaring levels of requests for help this year with more families pushed towards poverty.

Hallam FM Breakfast show host Big John has revealed the true extent in a thank you to everyone who helped on his show today.

He said: “We’re so happy, that thanks to such incredible generosity, we’re able to deliver joy to 18,010 children in the community. That’s huge. And these are children who could have woken up without a present on Christmas morning. It’s an incredible achievement.

"With more families than ever this year facing the prospect of not being able to give their children a present, Mission Christmas became even more urgent and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!”

B&M Bargains and B&M home stores supported the campaign again this year with all of their stores hosting drop off points for gifts across the region.

The Cash for Kids team have worked tirelessly throughout December ensuring that gifts reached the homes of the children who need them most.

The charity works with many local grass-root organisations as well as social workers, head teachers and the emergency services who nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.

Cash for Kids, Bauer Media’s charity in the UK, raised more than £20.4m in 2022, supporting 489,409 children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, neglect or who have additional needs.

It is calling for continued support to help make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children in the area .

To make a contribution, or to see how you can get involved in future campaigns, visit hallamfm.co.uk/cashforkids