Family Launches Fifth Annual Appeal for Football Kits for Children

A family is requesting donations of football kits to distribute as Christmas presents to children, marking the fifth consecutive year of their initiative. Paul Watson and his wife, Lizzie, established the Kitmas project in Bristol with the aim of encouraging individuals to contribute jerseys for children who might not otherwise receive them. Mr. Watson, currently residing in Stroud, Gloucestershire, stated: “Parents are put in an impossible situation – between choosing heating or buying presents. We want to help them.” Since its inception in 2020, the initiative has accumulated over £75,000 and has provided 6,000 shirts to underprivileged children throughout the UK. The approach has now been “streamlined,” with the family primarily seeking donations of new kits specifically for gifts. Mr. Watson further explained: “We do ask that the shirt is as new as possible as it’s for a kid at Christmas.” They do accept older shirts, but these are directed to charities rather than being used as presents. The couple has garnered assistance from Mr. Watson’s brother, comedian Mark Watson, as well as comedian Vix Leyton. Mr. Watson commented: “This all means the world to me. It all started with just 10 football shirts in our garage in 2020, which we donated to our foodbank and it’s just snowballed.” He also highlighted the high cost of football shirts, stating their efforts are aimed at assisting families in having an enjoyable and economical Christmas. For updates, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.