With the cost of living crisis many families are worrying how they will provide gifts for their children this year.

It’s why children’s charity Embrace Child Victims of Crime (Embrace CV0C) runs its annual Dear Santa appeal to provide gifts of choice for children living in low income families whose lives have been torn apart by crime.

Last year, thanks to the generosity of supporters 1,463 children and young people received at least one gift to open on Christmas Day.

Dear Santa, which is now in its sixth year, is a unique campaign because it enables you to a buy gift for a child in need -knowing it’s a gift they have actually wished for - so you will definitely make Christmas special for that child. For some it will be the only gift they get this year.

Anne Campbell, Chief Executive of Embrace CVoC, said: “We work with families who are often doubly disadvantaged - their lives have been torn apart by crime and because of what’s happened they are living in poverty. Many of them come to us having suffered harrowing experiences they are struggling to comprehend. Dear Santa gives these children a reason to smile on Christmas Day. We urge you to give generously and help us spread smiles this year.”

Each child referred to Dear Santa chooses one gift up to £35. These gifts are now available for the public to buy on the charity’s website.

Embrace CVoC works with children who have suffered trauma because of crime. Some are grieving the loss of their mum, dad, brother, sister or other family member who’ve been killed by crime. Others have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse, violence or exploitation or have been living in a home torn apart by domestic violence. Police, social services or support charities refer them to Embrace CVoC to get the support they need.

To buy a gift visit www.embracecvoc.org.uk/dear-santa-2022

You can also donate any amount to the appeal here https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/DearSanta2022

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