21 September 2023 , 18:51
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The annual Christmas appeal launched every year by home wear retailer Dunelm has once again hit the hearts of many, as they read the heart breaking requests from children on their one Christmas request. From a bag of Haribo Tangfastics to a blanket "of their own", the children have shared what they hope for the most.
Every year Dunelm launch the campaign in the hope of delivering 'joy' each year, but it also sadly sheds light on the stark reality of poverty for many children in the UK. As bills skyrocket and the cost of living continues to soar, many parents across the country will struggle to afford Christmas gifts.
The requests have made people emotional (Facebook / Dunelm St Helens)
They shared what would put a smile on their face on Christmas Day (Facebook / Dunelm St Helens)The scheme allows children from poverty-stricken homes to still have that joy on Christmas day, from the kindness of strangers and this years requests have already started to come through. A post shared by Dunelm worker Kelly Nichols in St Helen's showed just a couple of the requests that have been made.
It's reported there are a staggering 4.2 million children in poverty in the UK and the simple requests for Christmas leave shoppers in shock every year with what would put a smile on these children's faces. All people need to do is pick up one of the pre-written tags on a Christmas tree in the store, take it home, purchase the gift and return it to the store.
"This is a national campaign, so every store in the country is running this, for their own local causes, and as such, tags vary by each location Just search Dunelm (your area) Community Support on FB to find your store's local group. So, it's 2023 and I KNOW we're all struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis, but omg, how heartbreaking are these tags?" Kelly wrote on the post, alongside the photo of the tags with requests on.
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Some of the tags that reduced people to tears weren't even toys, they read: "Please may I have a little light so my room isn't too dark at night?" whilst another said: "A little teddy to keep me company at night," and a third asked: "A toiletry gift set please, something posh like Dove?"
She highlighted that "this is what children are asking for for Christmas presents" and urged people to get involved with the campaign. "Pop in and collect a tag, or request one via Messenger, and please help us deliver a little joy again this year. Before the questions start, yes the tags ARE all in the same writing-mine-as the logistics of having over 1000 tags filled out by various organisations & returned in time is a nightmare, so I fill them out via email lists," she added, clearing up any speculation over the tags.
Other's requested items such as "my very own blanket" and stated it could be "any colour, I don't mind", and others asked for new underwear, thin hair bobbles to keep their "hair tidy for school" and "Haribo Tangfastics or Walkers crisps, any flavour I don't mind" and people have been flocking to the comments to share how heartbreaking they are.
One Facebook user wrote: "This broke my heart, I work in a care home and every year we collect gifts for children in care, but I think this might be our charity this year. I can't believe that children are asking for the basics such as underwear or don't have their own Teddy to bring them comfort," and another added: "Posh like Dove....omg my heart melts."