At Hull Fostering, we are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a community that cares deeply about children and young people.
Every so often, something happens that stops us in our tracks and reminds us just how kind people can be. This Christmas, that moment came through the generosity of Amelia Coupland and Archie Skinner.
Alongside their friends, colleagues and family, Amelia and Archie organised a Christmas toy drive with one simple aim, to make sure children had something special to open on Christmas Day. Earlier this month, they reached out to Hull Fostering to ask whether we would like to accept Christmas presents for our children and young people, and if so, what might be most helpful. That question alone meant so much to us.
We were completely blown away by what followed.
Hundreds of carefully chosen presents were donated, covering a wide range of ages, interests and needs. These gifts allowed us to support our families at our Christmas events, making sure children and teenagers felt thought about and included. Just as importantly, they also enabled us to quietly support families who were struggling financially, particularly those caring for extra children in their household and worrying about how they would manage at Christmas.
For some of our children, these were presents they had asked for but never expected to receive. Children who have had some of the hardest starts in life were able to unwrap gifts that had been on their Christmas lists, items they did not dare dream would be possible. That kind of moment stays with a child, and it stays with us too.
What makes this act of kindness even more powerful is that it came with no expectation, no conditions and no spotlight. It was generosity in its truest form, people coming together to do the right thing simply because they could.
From a wider perspective, this donation also highlights the impact that individuals, families and workplaces can have when they choose to support their local fostering community. Acts like this do more than provide presents, they help relieve pressure on foster carers, strengthen the support around children, and remind families that they are not alone.
We cannot thank Amelia Coupland, Archie Skinner, and everyone who supported their toy drive enough. Your kindness has made a real difference to children and young people across Hull, and we are unbelievably grateful.
From all of us at Hull Fostering, and from the children whose Christmas mornings will be brighter because of you, thank you.