Secret Santa appeal for vulnerable North East children aiming for biggest year yet

One man from Chester-le-Street has made it his mission to spread festive cheer across the region by helping families and gifting vulnerable children across the North East presents this Christmas.

What began as a "hobby" has now snowballed into an annual Christmas appeal for Dale Cullen, 30, who has been delivering presents to those in need since 2019. And he is now hoping 2024 will be the biggest year yet - having already started preparations early.

"Each year I deliver Christmas presents to disadvantaged children across the region who are going through hard times. These children range from young cancer patients, children in temporary foster care going through tragic circumstances and children of domestically violent parents," he explained.

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Dale who admittedly "can't stand Christmas shopping" thought it better use of his time and efforts to instead help out those less fortunate. "Instead of trying to find the perfect present for someone that would probably end up in the back of a wardrobe, I began spending as much money from my own pocket possible on gifts for those in need.

"From there it took off organically. I heard at the time other families were struggling in the area so decided to help out local people. You realise so many more people are in such worse positions than we are, so I decided I was going to do it every year.

Since Christmas 2019, the reach has grown massively. Dale has been supported by many of his friends and colleagues who have asked to donate gifts, and has also formed a close relationship with local councillors, social workers and head teachers to help pinpoint those in need.

"Once it got really popular I began reaching out to organisations so we could reach families that were really struggling. I tend to rotate charities and organisations each year. Many people always say 'I wish I could do something' but don't know where to look or how to give back, so this is how."

"What started as a hobby soon turned into something much bigger and its now an annual appeal. It's something I take great pride in doing, and I’m just a one-man band trying to do my best for the community," adds Dale: "It was surprising to see how many children get nothing and I was ignorant to that fact at first, even neighbours who look like they have it together need support."

The impact of Covid also caused a massive knock-on effect, with Dale noting numbers of those in need shoot up during the pandemic. "When I was approaching charities they actually had copies of Christmas lists. But even amongst gifts, most were in need of essentials including a warm coat."

But despite hardships - in 2023 over 300 children received a gift after over £500 was raised. And this year Dale has started his appeal earlier than usual and upped the target in an effort to accumulate as many gifts as possible to make it the biggest yet.

Having already received just shy of £900 on his funding page so far, he said "The response is unmatched. Whether it be 50p or £50, I cannot stress enough how much each tiny donation ads up resulting to being able to purchase more." Those wanting to support can donate to help Dale this Christmas here.

Dale finished: "Gifting takes the burden off families of children in cancer wards at hospital whose parents are having to take unpaid time off work supporting their children, so it's lovely the kids are able to receive a present when they're undergoing treatment.

"I also gift to local kids going through temporary foster care at Christmas time, just anything to cushion the blow for them and want to cover as many and most kids going through hardships.

His generosity has even been noted by local businesses to support his charitable efforts. His local Originally Factory shop have set up a donation box in store for any customer wishing to drop off a gift.

Dale will be appealing till mid-December - and will then go through Christmas lists purchasing as many gifts as possible before spending a few days delivering presents across the region. Those unable to donate money can still help out by sharing the appeal.