The impact of giving at Christmas
Christmas
The festive season is almost a upon us – a time to celebrate with our family, friends and loved ones, share delicious food and, of course, to exchange presents. A time for giving.
But sadly, for many of the children and young people in out-of-home care, Christmas is not always a happy time. For those children who are separated from their families, the holidays can be a scary and uncertain time.
For over 140 years, Berry Street supporters have brought joy to thousands of young children across Victoria in care, by making sure they too have a special gift to open on Christmas day.
The impact of charitable giving at Christmas
In Berry Street’s early days, donations of practical gifts, such as food, clothes and bedding, were essential to keeping the children in our care fed and warm.
Every care was taken to list all donations, from a pair of baby’s booties to a sack of quinces, to tins of sweets for their Christmas treats.
Each year the special Christmas collection provided gifts and a feast for the mothers and babies, and sometimes the loan of a musical instrument to add to the festivities.
Online gift catalogue helps Christmas tradition of giving to continue
Fast forward to today, and while we no longer accept donations of physical gifts at Christmas, the tradition of bringing joy to a child or young person who cannot live safely with their family has continued.
I bought a gift last year and like that my small contribution can go a long way. I also get my daughters to help choose the gifts, as I want them to realise the gift of giving.
Our online gift catalogue features a range of different gifts, such as baby blankets, art supplies, books, board games, clothes and so much more, for newborns right through to young adults.
The most-needed gifts by young children in care this Christmas
The items in Berry Street's gift catalogue are examples of popular items and experiences that children in our care wish for at Christmas. Your donation allows our staff, foster carers and kinship carers to buy exactly the right gift that will best meet the children’s wishes and needs. That means they may buy a puzzle rather than a soft toy if that is what the child in their care would prefer.
Pyjamas and a Soft Toy ($40) | Gift now
For a young child, being separated from their parents and entering out-of-home care is a stressful and overwhelming time. During this uncertain time, a pair of cosy pyjamas and a soft toy can offer much-needed comfort.
Baby Blanket ($75) | Gift now
A lovely and soft blanket can provide a sense of safety and security to a young child who is no longer able to live safely at home with their family.
Bundle of Joy ($300) | Gift now
Many of the children who come into Berry Street’s care may never have experienced a happy Christmas. This generous gift will help create joyful memories for some of Victoria's most vulnerable children these holidays. The ‘Bundle of Joy’ includes personalised gifts, pyjamas and a soft toy, stationery and books, puzzles and games and a Christmas hamper.
Christmas in out-of-home care: A young child’s Letter to Santa
