Read thank you letters sent to Mother Christmas after annual gift appeal saves the day

Jeanette Walsh – known as Mother Christmas – spends several months of the year planning the annual gift collection in Northamptonshire.

Thanks to her organisation, thousands of children across the county had a very merry festive season after residents selflessly donated presents.

As she starts 2026 relaxing with her own family, she has been sent messages of gratitude by children, social workers, carers and parents to thank the community for their kindness.

She said: "Every year I can't believe the generosity of local people and businesses. It really warms my heart and I admit I shed a few tears "It's overwhelming the kindness shown to complete strangers.

"It's overwhelming the kindness shown to complete strangers. It makes my task easier to know it makes a real difference to children and families in need.”

Jeanette has sent a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped with this year’s gift appeal to help children across Northamptonshire – those who donated and those who hosted collections across the county.

She said: “Your overwhelming generosity has been absolutely fantastic. With the help from the readers of the Northants Telegraph, the Chronicle & Echo, and the Daventry Express we have yet again been blessed with many fabulous donations to help our disadvantaged families and young people.”

This year’s appeal saw more than 15,000 donations delivered to social work teams and distributed to needy families.

Thank you letters received by Jeanette reveals the difference the donations have made to young people, families fleeing violence and children living in financially insecure homes.

A mum of two wrote: “In life you literally never know where it is going and when everything will be ripped from beneath your feet, your heart torn into a million pieces and your only reason to carry on is knowing that the two beautiful little people you created needs you in every way. We always think... it could never happen to me, but then your whole world gets turned upside down and you feel completely helpless, worthless and on your own. But hey, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"There are people who love and care for others, even complete strangers and if it wasn't for these true, genuine people - I can tell you for sure, we would not of had such a special, magical Christmas. Please, keep showing others love and kindness as this truly does make a difference in people's lives I'm living proof of this. You have all made that difference that I needed right about now and I will pass this kindness on and when things improve financially for me... I will absolutely love to donate to ' Mother Christmas ' Thank you all.”

One mum who escaped an abusive partner said: “I had to flee from the only area I've ever known with my three kids away from an extremely unpredictable, aggressive, violent man. I had to be the bravest I've ever been and leave our home with one case of a few clothes each. That there are special caring people out there and you all come together and donate gifts through Mother Christmas to those in need, I am forever grateful.

"I'm in tears writing this as I really didn't think my kids were going to have a Christmas this year but you all made it happen. I'm so overwhelmed with the generosity of you, Mother Christmas and all the kind people who have helped us. Please keep doing what your doing to make sure those of us that need help and support through no fault of our own continue to receive it.”

One cash-strapped dad thanked Mother Christmas – his social worker said: “He shared how he would struggle to buy his three children Christmas presents this year due to his finances.

"Through the Christmas gifts that were donated, I was able to give him some gifts for his children. He said how much the children (and he) were enjoying the gifts that they were given, particularly the bubbles and playdoh!”

Children being looked after in care had a very happy Christmas morning. One care worker said: “I gave boxes to my children in care. They could not wait to rip open the paper on the boxes and were delighted in particular with the sweets, the colouring books and pencils, the girl loved the fluffy pyjamas and socks and hair accessories. The boys also liked the toiletries.”

Others helped by the gift appeal included a family with five children, a lone parent mum who couldn’t shop after giving birth to a premature baby in December, and a disabled dad of three.

Thanking Jeanette, one social worker said: “This year I was able to give most of the families I worked with presents and it has been a pleasure to see how excited they get. This year for a family of three, I packed one of the big bags with accessories to keep them warm during winter gloves, socks and earmuffs and the other with toys. When one of the girls saw the Cindy doll and all accessories she was so happy she could not help smiling. The boy got a Star Wars toy and a dinosaur book.”

From young adults who have left care to babies, the gift appeal has helped cheer up thousands of children – and their mums, dads, and carers – people who otherwise would not have had any presents.

Social workers have said they have seen first-hand the positive difference the Christmas gifts make, bringing joy for all.

One said: “The family is struggling financially, and the home environment is often quite dark. When the gifts were brought in, the change was immediate and striking; the bright colours of the toys brought warmth into the home, and the child’s eyes lit up when she saw the puzzles and the soft toy. It was a small moment, but a lovely one to witness.”

One mum added Jeanette had ‘saved’ Christmas saying: “It’s made me so emotional knowing there's good people out there that will help. Thank you so much. “This year has been very, very hard. My Mum died six months ago – we were living with her but because it was a council house we had to leave so we’re currently in temporary accommodation. My stuff was kept in my mate’s shed but unfortunately it all went mouldy. So all these gifts are basically all I have for my girl now. She was so excited on Christmas day and the happiest I've seen her in a very long while you really did save Christmas for us.”