We have sponsored two Christmas parties this year at Station House Community Association in Thurnscoe, enabling many children to have an enjoyable seasonal experience.

Station House is a childcare centre that aims to extend their support for local children through projects that provide a better family life. The parties will be organised for both the Playgroup children and the Afterschool Club.

The Playgroup party will be at a local play centre for 34 children, with the day including lunch and a special visit from Santa with handmade gifts. The Afterschool Club will see up to 40 children experience a reptile encounter, with the opportunity to learn about and handle unusual animals such as snakes and lizards, spiders and even a racoon. This would be followed by a Christmas gift and party tea.

One parent said: “The great thing about coming to Station House is that there are never any hidden costs or unexpected asks for contributions, there are some places I have to avoid this time of year because I am just too embarrassed to tell them I can’t afford it.”

Christmas should be magical for every child. For many of our families, it can also be a time of financial stress. It’s really important to us that we can provide a really special time for the children without putting any additional stress on families that are already living on the edge.

The generosity of Henry Boot means that we don’t have to ask for any parental contribution. It might not sound much when parents are asked for £1 or £2, but for most of our families on top of all the other expenses at Christmas this can just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Charlotte Williams, Chief Executive, Station House Community Association