Claus for a Cause expects to help more families than ever

Kelly and Kyle Hotchkins are expecting to help more than 200 families in need this year after starting Claus for a Cause in Worcestershire. 

The pair along with other trustees of the charity helped 185 struggling families last year across Worcestershire and beyond from Redditch to Chipping Campden and everywhere in between. 

It all started out of the blue in 2022 when Mr Hotchkins saw a Facebook post from struggling families in Evesham and decided to spend his own money to make sure that they had a good Christmas. 

Claus for a Cause now helps struggling families who are referred from places such as schools, nurseries and youth centres, providing them with food, presents and even heating bills over the Christmas period. 

Mr Hotchkins said: "It all started in 2022 when I saw a Facebook post asking for help for Christmas presents. 

"So I decided to spend money off my own back to help those struggling families and it's just grown and grown and grown. 

"I knew people were struggling but I was oblivious to just how many people were struggling.

"Last year we helped with Christmas dinners and we gave 185 sacks of presents to children in the area.

"It's only November 12 and this year we've already had 86 referrals so I think we will be helping over 200 families this year."

The group have held a number of events throughout the year to raise money for the Christmas season including a family fun day, a Halloween event and bingo nights.

Mr Hotchkins continued: "I think a lot of the families are often left speechless when we leave the presents outside their doors.

"We have an Amazon Wishlist as well as a wishtree in Asda on The Maybird in Stratford and Pure Gym in Evesham. 

"It's amazing to see how everyone pulls together for donations and it's great to see lots of different companies involved. 

"It's truly overwhelming to see the community come together to support these families at Christmas."