The true meaning of Christmas
Year on year, we have thousands of people that want to donate and volunteer to support the children of east London through the ELBA Toy Appeal. Last year, one of the recurring comments from volunteers that helped with last year’s Toy Appeal was that it really reminded them of the “true meaning of Christmas.” This is a phrase that has different meanings to different people but back in 1889, author Harriet Beecher Stowe summed it up perfectly saying “to give up one’s very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas.”
The small act of donating a gift through the Toy Appeal can make such a positive impact in people’s lives. With high levels of child poverty in the east London boroughs, there are many families that will be worrying about finances and being able to buy presents for Christmas. By donating a toy, you will bring a bit of happiness to a child and their whole family. One of the mums who’s children received toys last year spoke about the joy the presents brought them:
“I had told my children this year that Santa doesn’t know we changed address so we will not get a present. It brought tears to my eyes, that both my children went away with a toy.”
It’s easy to donate to the Toy Appeal; you can purchase a toy via your company’s John Lewis Gift List. Just remember to have your unique company username and password to hand. For details, you can contact your CSR lead or email abigail.micallef@elba-1.org.uk. The gift lists are open until 24th November 2017.
