MISSION CHRISTMAS: Gift appeal launched to bring joy to 18,000 local children - here's how to help

This Christmas, thousands of children across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire are facing the unthinkable — waking up to find Santa hasn't been.

Families facing the cost of living crisis are being pushed to the limit. For many, Christmas isn’t just difficult… it’s impossible.

That’s why Mission Christmas matters.

Cash for Kids, the official charity of Hits Radio South Yorkshire today kickstarted their annual appeal to listeners and locals to buy an extra gift and help thousands of disadvantaged children in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.

It has already received applications on behalf of 18,000 children.

HOW TO HELP:

Supporters can take their gifts to a number of drop-off points near them, including local B&M and Wickes stores. Simply head to www.hitsradio.co.uk/mission and enter your postcode to find the drop-off point closest to you.

You can also buy a gift online which will be delivered directly to the purchaser’s nearest Mission HQ for no delivery fee. Just head to www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk to browse the gift list.

Alternatively, you can text CHILD to 70910 to donate £10 and the Cash for Kids team will buy a gift on your behalf.

Lisa Sullivan, Charity Manager says : “Every child should feel the excitement of waking up to presents on Christmas morning and that’s why every year Mission Christmas is so important to us. Our community have always been so incredibly generous so, if you can, please just buy one extra gift this year and we’ll make sure it goes to a child who truly deserves it.

”In 2024 Mission Christmas meant that 18,050 children in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire were able to open a gift on the big day - part of its national campaign, the largest Christmas gift appeal in the UK, that collected £14.8 million in gifts and cash donations.

It made sure that 289,596 children and young people had presents to open on Christmas Day.

Now it is calling on your help one again to ensure Santa reaches every child who would otherwise be forgotten — making sure there is something waiting under the tree, something that tells them they’re not alone, something that brings a spark of magic to Christmas morning.

You can change everything with just one extra gift, one donation and one act of kindness.It could be the moment a child in our area smiles on Christmas Day, instead of feeling left out.

Whether you donate a present, fundraise with friends, or give a little of your time — your support brings hope, dignity and joy to a child who desperately needs it.

Cash for Kids is the UK charity of Bauer Media, which has print, online and broadcasting titles, including 150 radio and podcast brands in nine countries.The charity works with thousands of grass-root organisations across the UK who support disadvantaged children (0 – 18 years).

Throughout its Mission Christmas campaign, organisations along with social workers, head teachers and the emergency services nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.

In 2024 the charity raised over £21.4 million, supporting 509,580 children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, neglect or who have additional needs. Locally in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire it helped 23,212 children.

For further details, including information on how to get involved or make a donation, visit hitsradio.co.uk/mission