FITC have teamed up with local women’s and homeless shelters this Christmas to bring some magic to the lives of the children currently living in their residence.
Christmas is the time of year mostly associated with children unwrapping presents but, unfortunately, some children’s Christmas mornings can look a little different, with no presents waiting under the tree.Notts County FC Football in the Community are aiming to ensure this does not happen in Nottingham this December and you can help!
Child homelessness isn’t something widely reported but so far FITC have identified 202 children aged 17 and under who will be without presents this year, 90 of whom are under five years of age. As more shelters come forward for assistance this number will increase.
By donating a present or two for a child aged between only a few months old and 16 years of age, you can make a positive difference to a young person’s life. Alternatively, you can donate money which will go towards the appeal that FITC will use to buy presents.
The drop-off points for presents are:
- The FITC office, Meadow Lane, Nottingham, NG2 3HJ
- Portland Centre, Muskham Street, Nottingham, NG2 2HB
Please leave gifts for the attention of Gemma Burman.
For more information, please call 0115 955 7215 or email mgb@nottcountyfitc.org.uk.
The deadline for donations is Monday 12 December.
FITC's media officer Gemma, who is heading up the appeal, said: “FITC were looking for something special to do this Christmas and, having just been involved in the CEO Sleepout, homelessness was at the forefront of our minds.
“We spoke to Notts County's club chaplain, Rev. Liam O’Boyle, about what the statistics were like for child homelessness in Nottingham and the appeal started from there.
“One organisation we contacted hadn’t received Christmas donations for two years. It breaks my heart to think there are children going back to school in the New Year to be surrounded by their excited classmates talking about what Santa brought them and having nothing to talk about.
"Anything the public can donate would help bring a smile to hundreds of young faces and their parents on Christmas Day.”
Nighat Mahmood, team leader for Places for People at Mellors Lodge was grateful for the offer of assistance and encourages the public to support the appeal.
He said: "Not many people think of homelessness as being a family issue, but there are many two-parent and single-parent families who are living in the homeless system and are doing their best to become independent once again.
"These homeless families would like to provide a present for their child or children on Christmas morning and your kind donation will enable them to achieve this."