Life # 60 - 300 children
Request: New books and toys
One year ago 52 Lives devoted a week to helping find birthday presents for 300 children, in partnership with an inspirational charity called Tree of Hope.
Tree of Hope works with families of sick and disabled children in the UK who need specialist surgery, treatment and therapy. They help children obtain treatment - privately or abroad - who would otherwise have none. They provide grants and also assisting families with their individual fundraising efforts.
Jeremy, Tree of Hope’s CEO, had told me that something they always wanted to do was to be able to send every child they help a birthday present – a special surprise to bring a smile to their faces, and let them know there are lots of people out there who are thinking of them. But, understandably, it wasn’t something they could prioritise financially.
So, we published a request for 300 new books or toys to help Tree of Hope to do just that.
It was a big ask, but we did it - thanks to many generous donors, and the very kind people at Sainsbury’s who sent a big box of children’s books,.
But that huge pile of books and toys has now dwindled, and if this Birthday Project is to continue, we need to replenish Tree of Hope's gifts.
The Tree of Hope website is filled with so many heartbreaking stories of young children facing such difficult situations. A birthday present may seem insignificant in these circumstances but, as the past year has shown, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness…sometimes little things can mean a great deal.
52 Lives would love to help the Tree of Hope continue sending birthday presents this year.
So, this is what we would love you to do…
1. Buy a small toy or book (for a child aged 0 - 10 years)
- Please keep toys fairly small in size, to make postage a little bit easier when Tree of Hope sends it on.
- For those of you unfamiliar with UK shops, here are some links that might be helpful:
www.bookdepository.com - free delivery
www.thetoyshop.com - free delivery on orders over £40 or otherwise £2.99
www.argos.co.uk - delivery is £3.95
2. Have it delivered to:
Tree of Hope - The Birthday Project
43A Little Mount Sion
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent, TN1 1YP
UK
Tel: 01892 535525
3. Include a card or message (this is optional)
Tree of Hope will include it when they send your gift to a child.
4. Send 52 Lives a quick email to let us know you've done it
This is so we have an idea of how many parcels to expect in the post.
Also, please let me know if it's ok to thank you publicly.
5. Spread the word!
If you know of any businesses that might be willing to donate toys or books, please let me know.
You can find out more about Tree of Hope at www.treeofhope.org.uk