Art work done by children at the Kids Company

Latest figures from Child Poverty Statistics show that 44 per cent of children live in poverty in Hackney. However, one charity is stepping in to bring some magic to families in desperate need of cheering up.

In areas within the borough, such as Hoxton, more than half of children live below the poverty line and for many of them presents, trees and yuletide feasts are out of the question. However, one charity is stepping in to bring some magic to families in desperate need of cheering up.

Kids Company, which works with vulnerable young people, will be throwing a special day of festive celebrations on December 25 for children in Hackney.

Christmas celebrations of this scale do not come cheap, and Kids Company has had to find innovative methods of fundraising.

You can donate to a happier Christmas for children in Hackney through an innovative Facebook app organised by  Kids Company. The charity will be organising a feast for local children on Christmas day. Latest child poverty statistics show that 44% of Hackney’s children live in poverty and for many, presents, trees and Christmas feasts are out of the question.

Kids Company created their Facebook app to encourage donations towards this event. It allows users to click on aspects of a festive feast scene so that they cab choose whether to donate to  food, games or decorations. Festive philanthropists can buy everything from the Christmas tree to the crackers, as well as the ingredients for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

So far £1959 has been raised towards the Christmas party, but there is every reason to keep giving. Hackney has one of the highest rates of child poverty in London. Find more statistics on child poverty across London here.

If knowing where your money is going has deepened your pockets, you can also make a child’s Christmas by buying them their dream present. Kids Company have created a wish list on the John Lewis website, where toys can be purchased that will be given out to children at the Christmas day party.  Dolls, trains and tea party sets can all be found, with the emphasis on traditional toys that won’t become outdated.

If you already have an excess of children’s Christmas presents and would like to donate them to a worthy cause, Stoke Newington council is collecting presents to give to sick children. Donations will be wrapped up and handed out to children on Homerton Hospital’s Starlight ward on Christmas day. Please drop off any donations by Wednesday December 20 at Stoke Newington Town Hall, addressed to the event management team.

Find Kids Company on Facebook to check out their Christmas party donations app. You can also find the John Lewis gift list website here, just enter the code 484121 in the first box.