All around us, signs of Christmas are beginning to appear — shop shelves lined with tinsel and crackers, Christmas trees glittering with lights, and the sound of Christmas music playing in the background. The children are practising their carols and looking forward to the school nativity play with shining eyes.

Soon, they’ll be opening the first little window on their advent calendars — counting down the days until that wonderful morning when they wake up to find that Santa has been, leaving brightly wrapped gifts beneath the tree.

But Christmas is about so much more than presents. It’s about being surrounded by people who care, sharing laughter and love, and making memories that warm your heart long after the holidays have passed.

We want every one of our children to experience that same sense of belonging and joy. Even though they won’t be spending Christmas at home with their families, they do have a home — and a family of caring people who make sure they feel special and loved at this time of year.

Please will you help us make this a Christmas to remember?

R250 helps fill a Christmas stocking and provides a special lunch for one child. R450 buys a new pair of jeans and a T-shirt or sneakers – always at the top of the wish list for the older children. Smaller gifts help buy pencil bags, crayons, stationery and of course toys and sweets.