Charity Sebby’s Corner runs an annual Christmas Grotto for disadvantaged families, but the cost of living crisis means this year they need donations more than ever

A person labels donated toys — A Sebby’s Corner volunteer labelling toys donations

Barnet-based charity Sebby’s Corner is making an urgent appeal to businesses, and the general public, to donate toys or make monetary donations in time for its Christmas Grotto event, which will begin on 27th November.

Sebby’s Corner supports families living in poverty, families in temporary accommodation, women and their children who have fled domestic abuse, refugees, asylum seekers and victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. The charity-run grotto aims to make sure that no child goes without the true magic of Christmas, with children receiving presents they might not otherwise have had..

The grotto works on a referral basis, with parents and carers being able to self-refer through the Christmas Grotto website.

Bianca Sakol MBE, Founder & CEO of Sebby’s Corner, says; “We’re excited to run our Santa’s Grotto again this year and welcome even more families through our doors to create the Christmas spirit and see the smiles on the children’s faces as they choose their special gifts.

“We are extremely worried however, that with so many families struggling financially at the moment, especially with the ongoing cost of living crisis, we’re not going to have enough gifts to share. We ask that businesses please consider donating toys or financially donating to Sebby’s so we can purchase gifts to allow us to give these families the Christmas they deserve.”

The charity supports disadvantaged families across Barnet, Enfield, Camden and the wider Hertfordshire region. Last year the charity was able to give 3264 gifts to 1166 children, as well as a supermarket voucher for each family.

However, with the cost of living crisis and wider economic backdrop, Sebby’s Corner is expecting a 30% increase in referrals this Christmas, meaning that 4,000 toys are needed (for children aged 0-16) this year.

Donations can be made at the charity’s main Barnet Hub, but slots must be booked prior.

The charity has an active Amazon Wishlist, where people can donate gifts.

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