A schoolgirl's "letter to Santa" has proven what we already knew about Scousers.
The letter was originally shared by the Big Help Project as part of its campaign 'Dear Santa' which aims to reflect the struggles facing families living in poverty over the festive season. The letter reads: "To Santa, mum told me you are sick this year and you can't come to our house. I hope you get better soon. I think it would make my brother happy! Love Lilly xx (Age 10). PS. We have been really good."
Since the ECHO reported the charity's campaign; Liverpudlians have shown their festive spirit by offering to buy the children presents. On Facebook, Joanne McMahon said: "Aww so sad. I'll be happy to buy her and siblings presents. So heartbreaking." Ann Stanway said: "I'd sacrifice my gifts for them to have something to open."
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Kelly Maironis shared a similar sentiment to Ann, she said: "I'd happily buy them both a present. No kid should go without, especially at Christmas!" Also on Facebook, Natalie McGowan said: "I'm sure the lovely people of Liverpool will be more than happy to help."
Hundreds of people responded to the post which became inundated with people asking where they could send presents to to help out.
Naomi Heron said: "Is there anyway we can find out an address to get these kids a present? There are loads of people who are commenting willing to help. Having 3 young children myself I couldn’t even imagine being in this position it breaks my heart."
Susan Rimmer said: "Ahhh well look at this, nobody knows who this letter is from or what the situation but the gorgeous people of Liverpool are stepping up, makes me smile this!!!"
If you want to make sure no child misses out on opening a present on Christmas morning; charities and organisations are running toy appeals across Merseyside. The Salvation Army have their annual Christmas Toy Appeal which last year gave away 76,000 toys and donations are accepted at any local branch.
Harrison's Foundation, which owns the Harrison's Bar & Kitchen on North John Street in the city centre, is currently running its annual toy appeal. People can donate money via their gofundme page which has raised over £1,300 or toys can be donated to their restaurant.
You can also donate to the charity behind the 'Dear Santa' campaign: the Big Help Project. The charity based on Boaler Street in Kensington, works to help those living in poverty by providing a range of different services including a food club, debt and welfare advice and employment support.
In a post on Facebook, the charity said: "No child should have to think Santa is poorly and can't bring them presents. 1 in 7 children will go without any gifts this Christmas. We are using our campaign 'Dear Santa' to reflect the struggles families living in poverty will face over the festive season.
"This campaign will highlight five different letters to Santa from children living in poverty, as for many, this time of year is not about festivities but survival."
The same letter was later shared by the charity Come Together Christmas as part of its Christmas appeal. In a post on Instagram, the charity, based at Alkafuel Water's shop on Derby Lane in Old Swan, issued a plea for people to help families living in poverty across the city.
For more information about the Big Help Project click here.
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