Helping disadvantaged children enjoy the festive season.
Every Christmas Birmingham City Mission gives gifts to around 3,000 children in our city, children whose families struggle financially and would otherwise be unable to give Christmas presents to their children.
The logistics of the project is daunting, and work is now in full swing as staff and volunteers prepare for the complicated process of bringing Christmas gifts to the doors of those in need. This is how it happens…
• Social services, churches and other agencies refer families in need to BCM
• BCM collates the details of each family, creating a label for each one showing the children’s names and ages
• Meanwhile, churches, schools, businesses and individuals are collecting and donating new toys which are then passed on to BCM. These toys are carefully checked, sorted and batteries attached if needed.
• Throughout December hordes of volunteer wrappers take family labels and choose 4 gifts for each child. These are wrapped, put into white sacks and the labels stuck on.
• The sacks are sorted into districts and routes are planned for the drivers (many thanks to PTV Group for managing the delivery logistics again this year)
• Drivers load up the route on their sat nav and the presents are delivered to the door
You can help by buying a gift for a child or organise a gift collection amongst your friends, family and colleagues. Bring them to Birmingham City Mission’s Head Office at The Clock Tower, 2 Langdon Street, Birmingham B9 4BP (open Monday-Friday 9-4.30pm). We can pick up large collections – just call 0121 766 6603.
The children are aged between 0 and 16 years old. New toys, books, games and puzzles are needed (must be complete and unmarked). Present should be unwrapped.
