Children’s “Santa Squad” Distributes 2,500 Gifts to Vulnerable Individuals

A group of four friends, known as the Santa Squad, has collected thousands of presents intended for struggling families and children who might otherwise lack gifts. The members include Thea and Laurie from Kingswood Parks Primary School in Hull, alongside Ava and Phoebe from Kingswood Academy. Since the summer, the group has engaged in fundraising and donation collection efforts, amassing over 2,500 gifts. These gifts are designated for distribution by various organizations to more than 900 individuals experiencing poverty. Laurie, aged 10, expressed her feelings about the initiative, stating: “It makes me feel really happy, but it also makes me feel quite sad that we need to do this.” The Santa Squad was established in 2022 by sisters Ava, 11, and Thea, 10, after they viewed a television advertisement addressing child poverty. Ava commented further, saying: “I’m finally doing something for people and I feel really proud of myself because of it.” In its inaugural year, the Santa Squad provided gifts to 100 individuals. This number increased to 183 last year, which coincided with friends Phoebe and Laurie joining the team. This year, their efforts have supported 912 people, with each gift bag comprising three to five items. Fundraising activities undertaken have encompassed bake sales and raffles, generating funds for the acquisition of necessary items such as toys, games, books, toiletries, and food. Additionally, the group was recognized as finalists at the BBC Radio Humberside Make A Difference awards held in September. Phoebe, 11, is already formulating plans for the upcoming year’s fundraising initiatives. She stated: “For the build-up, we’ll be doing different stalls and maybe a sponsored walk again.” Thea further commented: “It’ll definitely be bigger and better.” Beki, mother to Ava and Thea, expressed immense pride in her daughters’ endeavors. She remarked: “The compassion and genuine joy they get from helping others is heartwarming.” She continued: “I’m not sure they fully understand what an awesome and awe-inspiring thing it is that they are doing.”