A campaign to support Dreamdrops this Christmas (Huntingdonshire children’s charity) has generated over 100 donated gifts from businesses and members of the public.
The Dreamdrops Giving Tree, an idea from local firm Naturally Social, was set up as a simple ‘COVID-safe’ way for residents and businesses to spread joy and happiness in their community this December, during a time when those benefiting will need it most.
Committee member Christine Luckham co-ordinated the distribution of presents, which took place on the 17th December at the St Neots Rugby Club and on the 18th December at the Barley Mow pub in Huntingdon.
She said that Dreamdrops were concentrating on supporting families who have children with hidden disabilities (such as autism) this Christmas, as well as children discharged from a hospital but still requiring nursing care at home.
“The families we support have had an extremely stressful time because of the restrictions, as their children struggle to understand why their routines have been so badly disrupted. Many of these children and families won’t have the same support networks or family members around them this year which, understandably, has caused them great anxiety and distress. I’m so grateful to all the businesses and individuals who have supported the campaign, as I know all the families are too.”
To ensure social distancing, families were invited in time slots to collect their gift boxes and were greeted on arrival by Father Christmas in his sleigh, thanks to the Huntingdon and District Round Table organisation.
One family thanked the charity “for arranging Santa. It really means the world to us to bring the boys to something normal”
Natalie Sherman, the founder of Naturally Social, says they commit to supporting local causes regularly “We know 2020 has been a tough year for everyone, in one way or another, so the idea of The Giving Tree was to make the act of giving at Christmas easy, affordable, and COVID secure. I was blown away by the number of donations we were able to generate in about 6 weeks, mainly through social media.”
Dreamdrops, also known as Huntingdonshire Children’s Charity, aims to provide the ‘extras’ for children who are being nursed in hospitals and in the local community, their families, and also the staff who care for them.
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