Revive Healthy Living Centre’s Secret Santa campaign is now in its thirteenth year and seeks to match generous benefactors with some of the most under-privileged and vulnerable children in the north of the city.

Secret Santa gifts are delivered to local children living in poverty, facing a terminal or life limiting illness, who have lost a parent or sibling who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse or are residing in care.

Revive, which is based in Roe Farm Lane, covers Chaddesden, Oakwood and Spondon.

Supporters are asked to register their interest and then buy a specific gift requested by the individual child or young person.

Alternatively, they can make a donation to go towards a gift via our Crowdfunder page.

These are then delivered to the family along with other support.

To find out more about being a Secret Santa this year, please email secretsanta@revivecentre.com or call 01332 288700.

What helping means

The Revive Centre always ask families for a statement about why they need help from the Secret Santa campaign.

Here is a selection of feedback from previous years, showing what a difference a Secret Santa can make:

A grandmother who is the main carer for her five young children. She said: “I can’t believe that someone that doesn’t know us, would do something so kind. The bikes are amazing, the food will definitely help and the Christmas Eve boxes are the icing on the cake. I will never forget this act of kindness for as long as I live.”

A young man who is looking after his siblings since losing their mum wrote: “ Secret Santa has therefore been a lifeline. You have been able to give the kids a Christmas that I simply can’t do. I am so grateful for everything you have done. Your support is really amazing and a lifeline to families in our position.”

A mother who has escaped an abusive relationship and moved to Derby with her five children continued: “We haven’t celebrated Christmas properly for many years. This year is going to be different, I’ve been given a Christmas Tree and this year, we have presents to put underneath it thanks to the Santas. I am overwhelmed by the generosity and close to tears that people would do this for us.”

A young mother of three said: “Due to COVID, my partner lost his job and we have just had a new baby. For the first time we have found ourselves on benefits. Universal Credit is so harsh, we have been without money for six weeks and have no prospect of any income until January. It’s impossible to live on fresh air, especially with a new baby and when it’s cold. I didn’t want to ask for help but, when your children believe in Santa, how do you explain that you can’t afford it? Thanks to your service, they will now have presents to open on Christmas Day, I am so grateful.”

A mother of two said: “We’ve had a house fire and it caused a lot of smoke damage. It’s been a difficult year. The kids knew I didn’t have much and wouldn’t be able to get them what they wanted. Secret Santa has changed all that, I’m like wow. I’d love to be able to give all the Santas that have bought my children gifts a big hug and a kiss. Thank you so, so much. Christmas at our house would not have happened without you. You have made it for us.”

The mother of two young girls aged seven and nine said: “We are in temporary accommodation after being made homeless and it’s had a terrible impact on us all. When my girl’s teacher told me about Secret Santa, I really didn’t have any expectations. I was just so relieved that someone could help me to give the kids a Christmas. To be honest, I’m shocked at what you have been able to do for us. Without your help, we wouldn’t be having a Christmas and that make me feel as though I’ve failed. Please, please let everyone know just how grateful I am.”

A mother of three: “We’ve spent 18 months in a refuge. Starting again has been really difficult in a new area away from family and friends. It’s been tough. I am in total awe in what you have been able to do for my kids. I’m speechless. You’ve not only made our Christmas, you’ve all made our year. I want to say a personal thank you to everyone that’s worked so hard to provide these gifts and food, I am beyond thrilled. Thank you so much.”

A 16-year-old girl wrote: “I would like to say thank you to the Secret Santa who provided me with a laptop this Christmas. Thank you for helping me pursue my dreams and hopefully one day get into uni. Thanks to the secret Santa’s I no longer have to worry about how I’m going to pass my course. When I have my dream job (thanks to your help) I will ensure to return the favour and help other children in need at the hard times.”

A widowed father said: “We have had a very difficult time. I have lost my wife and my six-year-old daughter has lost her mum. We are having to get used to a new normal and it’s going to take time. These gifts will bring a smile to her face. Thank you for thinking of us at this difficult time.”

The parents of two small children said: “I have lost my job and been without money for 8 weeks. It’s really tough and not what you want at any time of the year, but especially at Christmas. I have had to park my pride and go to foodbanks and ask for help. I am hugely grateful for everything you have done for us, from the bottom of my heart thank you for caring when no one else seemed to.”