A KIND-HEARTED couple have made it their mission to give struggling families in Redditch, Alcester and Studley a decent Christmas.
Kelly and Kyle Hotchkins are appealing to the public and businesses to support them in their goal by donating toys, food items, toiletries and cash.
The idea started in 2022 when Kyle heard about local people going without due to the cost-of-living crisis.
He was determined to do something about it and an initial Facebook post asking if anyone needed help has developed into Claus for Clause.
The registered charity was set up to prevent and relieve poverty in Evesham, where the couple are based.
In 2022 they helped 30 Worcestershire families with a Christmas dinner and presents.
Last year the couple supplied 185 children with presents and 28 families with Christmas dinner and a week’s shopping.
This year, the pair have extended their scheme to cover Redditch, Alcester and Studley so it can help even more families.
They are driven by the knowledge that, without the charity’s help, the people they support would have next to nothing to open on Christmas Day morning and have no Christmas dinner.
Kelly told the Standard Kyle had the idea as he wanted to help people as the cost-of-living crisis rose.
“He knew his kids were opening Christmas presents and enjoyed life without having to want for anything so wanted to know that every other child in the area was opening gifts on the same day his were,” she said.
“He said ‘this world is going crazy and people we know can’t afford to buy anything. We shouldn’t be living like this and I want to help’. That’s when he put the Facebook post out.”
“We know we can’t help everybody but luckily we are in a position where we can enjoy Christmas and help others out as well.”
The couple, who have two children and full-time jobs, also put on affordable, fun events throughout the year and work to help families who might struggle with getting basic household items.
People in need are referred to the couple by their GP, health worker, school or nursery.
The community can help by buying toys and taking them to several drop-off points, buying them directly via a special Amazon link and donating money through the website. Businesses can also become a corporate sponsor.
Toy donations are being accepted at the Redditch drop-off point at Unit 10, New Meadow Road, and at the Alcester drop-off points – Hemming and Peace, Printech and Off The Rail – until December 21.
For more details, see facebook.com/ClausForACausecharity.
