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4 festive stories that'll make you smile today

Words by Abi Scaife

Need some joy to make you smile? Here are four super heartwarming tales of people spreading Christmas cheer to bring some festive magic to your day.

CHRISTMAS CARD JOY.

A woman in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA has been distributing Christmas cards to elderly people living in nursing homes, who often feel lonely this time of year. With the help of some special kids, Liz Ross has managed to give out an incredible 20,000 Christmas cards to nursing homes over the years, so that everyone has something to open in the run-up to Christmas!

The Caring Kids Christmas Card Programme, as named by Liz, is something she came up with when volunteering in a nursing home 13 years ago, and has only grown from there.

Today, she buys blank Christmas cards in bulk and takes them to various schools in her area. Children are then given the opportunity to write cards to a stranger and decorate them however they wish, before Liz drops them off at nursing homes.

SNOWY SLEEPOUT.

A 9-year-old girl from Redditch has committed to sleeping outside in her tent one night every weekend from November until Christmas to raise money for St Basil’s Homeless charity.

Jessica Fields completed the St Basils Big Sleepout on 25th November in a tent in her garden, and has smashed her fundraising target of £250, raising £1070 so far. If you want to donate to Jessica’s JustGiving, you can do so through this link.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

E & A R Agar Funeral Directors, based in Norton, are touring their Dignity PLC charity organ to care homes around Malton. They are playing Christmas carols, giving out mince pies and hoping to spread the festive spirit to those who may not be seeing family this Christmas season.

The best part is, it’s all happening completely for free.

Care homes interested in a visit from the charity organ, are asked to give James a call to book on 01653 692926.

PANTO FUN.

John Lyon’s charity carried out a national survey and learned that 42% of parents with children under the age of 16 can't afford to take their child to a pantomime/theatre this year.

This December, John Lyon’s Charity has paid for multiple schools to take trips to the theatre to see a bunch of festive West End shows, including A Christmas Carol, Frozen, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and so many more.

Nickai, aged 11 said: “Even though some parents might not be able to pay to go to the theatre, it’s great that kids can still go with their school and all their friends. I’m very excited!”

Saadiya, aged 11 said: “I think it’s important to experience a pantomime because it’s like you’re there and it’s your experience, not just something you’ve watched off a YouTube video or online.”

This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships for the Goals.

This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

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