'More children than ever before need Christmas help'

Jo Andrew said some children have said their ideal gift was school shoes or toiletries

A charity collecting Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children says it is seeing "far more need than ever before".

Revive Healthy Living Centre in Derby collects presents for youngsters in need, including those who have experienced abuse or bereavement.

The Secret Santa project is in its 12th year but the charity said this time they have seen a "record number of children in care" and a "huge number" of young carers.

The public can still get involved and support the project by offering products such as selection boxes, gift vouchers and perfume and aftershave for teenagers.

The charity is providing gifts for 350 children - so far - this year

Jo Andrew, manager at the charity, said children were referred to them by someone they know, such as a teacher, social worker or health visitor.

The youngsters are asked what they would like for Christmas and then Revive, in Chaddesden, tries to recruit a Secret Santa to buy this, or raise funds for it.

"We're stepping into Santa's boots to make sure that Christmas does happen," she said.

Mrs Andrew said they put a gift bag together for each child, which may include a coat or shoes if needed, as well as one or two things off their wish list and chocolate.

For families with terminally ill parents, "we would like to help them enjoy themselves while they are here," said the charity

She said they were still recruiting Secret Santas and accepting referrals of children.

The charity creates a tag with the child's ages on and what they would like for Christmas.

"Then we put them out to members of the public or businesses that help us to try and get what that child wants."

Mrs Andrew added: "I have got several families where a parent has a very serious life-limiting illness, and for some this year will be about making memories.

"We are trying to make their Christmas extra special, but we are dependent on being able to recruit a Secret Santa to make that happen."

A huge number of children are asking for football-related items, unicorns, and dressing up clothes, said the charity

Mrs Andrew said the work she did was "very humbling" and she wakes on Christmas Day wondering what the children think of their gifts.

She added: "I would like to ask people, if they can, to come and support us. This year has been particularly hard.

"I know everybody is struggling with the cost of living crisis, but our children need help, and Christmas is a time for giving and thinking of others."

Mrs Andrew said people can contact them on Facebook at the Revive Centre Charity, or bring things in.

Ann Marie Allsopp said: "The things these kids are experiencing at such young ages - you can't help but cry"

Ann Marie Allsopp, a care worker from Radfield Home Care Services in Derby, is among those helping with the appeal.

She said: "It really overwhelmed me what a hard time these kids are going through, especially knowing they are all very local to me as well.

"It breaks my heart that some of them just want school shoes for Christmas."