An email from a Love Christmas box recipient, December 2020

'I have just received a parcel from you that was nominated by our school. To say I am incredibly grateful is an understatement. I never think of my kids and I as being 'in need' as we have so much love in our house but this year has been exceptional. I'm a single mum and sole provider for my 2 young children. I unfortunately lost my job due to COVID19 and trying to find a new one is proving challenging, and i will do virtually anything! My kids will never go without food or a home but they get very basic food, no extras or treats, no after school clubs or music lessons, no new clothes or shoes, always second hand. I have been really struggling with feeling isolated, lonely and desperate, not helped by health issues. Also feeling that I'm not giving my children enough and not being able to find a way out of the hole we are currently in. Then a random act of kindness appeared on my door from your church. I burst into tears because I have been putting on a brave face and did not think anyone knew that life was hard for me at the moment and I was so touched. I've never had such a wonderful surprise before. The contents of the box were amazing, it was so thoughtful to personalise the contents so that I could see gifts had been chosen for my son and daughter. The kids were overjoyed! However, more important than the contents of the lovely parcel was the thought behind it. The fact that lots of local strangers had clubbed together to create & contribute to such a thoughtful act has given me the most incredible feeling of hope & support. I can't tell you how much I needed that. I have gone from spiralling into a dark place to feeling that life will be ok, that the world is a kind place. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart to all of you.'