Cramlington group supports Christmas toy appeal for disadvantaged North East children
A Cramlington business networking group is helping to make Christmas magical for disadvantaged children.
Members of Jammy Networking have joined forces to support Love,Amelia’s Big Toy Appeal, donating new toys and gifts for children who might otherwise go without.
Sunderland-based children’s charity, Love, Amelia, supports families throughout the North East and was founded by Steph Capewell after her daughter Amelia tragically died just 12 minutes after being born.
During her time in hospital, Steph encountered a young mother who had concealed her pregnancy and had no essential items for her baby.
Despite her own devastating loss, Steph donated some of Amelia’s belongings to help the young woman.
Steph subsequently left 12 boxes of baby essentials at the hospital, each signed “Love, Amelia”, for other mothers facing similar difficulties.
Seven years later, the charity has grown to helping more than 45,000 children across the region.
Now, as Christmas approaches, they are preparing for one of its busiest periods through Amelia’s Big Toy Appeal, transforming its warehouse into a festive workshop where volunteers prepare gift packages for struggling families.
Sophie Hindhaugh, from Love, Amelia, is a regular member of Jammy Networking and says the generosity of her fellow networkers demonstrates the difference local businesses can make when they work together.
She said: “Christmas should be a magical time for every child, but sadly that’s not the reality for many families across the North East.
“Some children wake up on Christmas morning wondering whether Santa has forgotten them or whether they’ve been naughty and don’t deserve a present.
“That’s where we come in. For those children, we become Santa.”
The charity is also encouraging more businesses and individuals to get involved in the appeal.
Love, Amelia has produced gift tags suggesting suitable presents, allowing colleagues to exchange their usual office gifts for something that will make a genuine difference to a child.
Members of the public can also help through the charity’s Amazon wish list; gift suggestions shared on social media or by making financial donations.
From December 1 to 8, Love, Amelia will also take part in the national Big Give campaign, when eligible donations will be doubled through match funding.
The charity is aiming to raise £20,000 to support its work helping children throughout the coming year.