We are calling for support from businesses as we launch our 'LAT Wishes Christmas' campaign for our Young Oasis service.
The service provides support, guidance and encouragement to Lincolnshire children and young people affected by a parent or family member who misuses drugs or alcohol, for whom Christmas can be an especially challenging time.
Therefore, we are asking businesses to donate gifts throughout December for 30 of the children that we are currently working with.
Young Oasis practitioners have identified suitable items for each youngster and are hoping Lincolnshire businesses will donate them through the LAT Wishes campaign.
Our CEO, Alison Goddard, said: “This festive season we’re asking local businesses to consider donating a gift to our Christmas campaign to help a child or young person in Lincolnshire have a happier Christmas.
“The gifts will have a huge impact on their lives as they deal with very difficult situations, especially at this time of year.”
Items on the wish list for children and young people aged six to 17 include books, juggling balls, colouring books and pencils, toiletries and Squishes.
Shooting Star, a PR, marketing and digital agency that has been working with us over the last three years, has stepped up to be the first business to give a gift.
Director Kate Strawson delivered a batch of colouring books and pencils to Alison Goddard earlier today (Monday 3rd December).
Kate said: “It’s a pleasure to support the LAT Wishes campaign. The charity supports so many families throughout the year that we felt this was a great opportunity to help them make a difference to the lives of some of the children they work with.”
Alison added: “For most families Christmas is a magical time, but for children and young people dealing with parents who misuse substances it can be a time of acute uncertainty and anguish.
“We hope that these gifts will help ensure these children and young people have something to look forward to on Christmas morning.
“I’d like to thank Kate and the Shooting Star team for being the first to get involved. There is still plenty on the wish list though, so please get in touch if you would like to help.”
Businesses interested in giving a gift can contact Debbie Harris at Lincolnshire Action Trust on 01522 806611 to organise a donation or to drop off something specific.
Other items on the Young Oasis Christmas list include: craft or drawing packs; hair products; calendars and diaries; chocolate and sweets; onesies and slipper socks; books by Roald Dahl and Marvel; notebooks; wooden puzzles and Jenga.
Kim Thompson (Young Oasis Senior Practitioner), Alison Goddard (CEO) and Kate Strawson (Director, Shooting Star)
