December 5, 2018 1.29 pm This story is over 75 months old

Charity appeal to help children have a happy Christmas

Businesses are being asked to donate a gift
Pictured from left to right: Kim Thompson, Senior Young Oasis Practitioner; Alison Goddard, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Action Trust and Kate Strawson, Director of Shooting Star.

A local charity is urging businesses to donate gifts this month to help give young children a happy Christmas.

Lincolnshire Action Trust is launching its LAT Wishes Christmas campaign for its Young Oasis service.

The service provides support, guidance and encouragement to Lincolnshire children and young people affected by the substance misuse of a parent or family member.

For them Christmas can be an especially challenging time so the LAT team are asking businesses to donate gifts for 30 of the children they are currently working with.

Young Oasis practitioners have identified suitable items for each youngster, aged 6 to 17, including books, juggling balls, colouring books and pencils, toiletries and Squishes.

Other items on the Young Oasis Christmas list include: craft or drawing packs; hair products; calendars and diaries; chocolate and sweets; onesies and slipper socks; books by Roald Dahl and Marvel; notebooks; wooden puzzles and Jenga.

CEO of Lincolnshire Action Trust Alison Goddard said: “This festive season we’re asking local businesses to consider donating a gift to our Christmas campaign to help a child or young person in Lincolnshire have a happier Christmas.

“The gifts will have a huge impact on their lives as they deal with very difficult situations, especially at this time of year.”

She added: “For most families Christmas is a magical time, but for children and young people dealing with parents who misuse substances it can be a time of acute uncertainty and anguish.

“We hope that these gifts will help ensure these children and young people have something to look forward to on Christmas morning.”

PR, marketing and digital agency Shooting Star has been working with LAT over the last three years.

The agency has stepped up to be the first business to give a gift after director Kate Strawson delivered a batch of colouring books and pencils to Alison on December 3.

Businesses interested in giving a gift can contact Debbie Harris at Lincolnshire Action Trust on 01522 806611 to organise a donation or to drop off something specific.