As Christmas and New Year fast approach, the majority of us will be worrying about what ‘Santa’ is bringing for Christmas or who is to be crowned the most embarrassing family member. However, there are some across the globe who don’t even have these privileges; with no one to bring them dinner, kiss them good night or even embarrass them on Christmas day. It’s a sad fact, but it’s true. Millions of children are separated from their families’ everyday for one reason or another, and end up alone on Christmas.

In freezing, dark streets is where these children seek refuge. They have no warm clothing, no-one to comfort them and Santa won't be filling any of their stockings on Christmas Eve. Poverty is the name of the virus which has put these children on the streets. So far, society has not found a cure for it. Rather like an unwanted Christmas present, these children have been shoved out of sight by the powers that be and left in the dark- then completely forgotten about.

Thousands find themselves in the same desperation situation they do not deserve to be in. They are meant to be the future- curious and playful , yet they find themselves the victims of a great theft. A theft which has denied them so much, so many opportunities, now and later on in life. They have been robbed of their childhood, their innocence and the happiest time of their life. As your children played outside in the garden, they begged for scraps of food; as your children received so many shiny, new toys, they froze to death while sleeping on the pavement; as your children slept soundly in bed, they slowly learned that they were not wanted in this world.

This Christmas will be no different to them, just another freezing winter day, just another merciless fight for survival. Same cycle, all over again. The only difference is; us. Yes, us, the ones with the power to help them. For we have been blessed with lives of comfort, warmth and happiness- we have to share what we have been given to those who have no power, or voice in this world. These children have not made the choice to be poor, so why are we making them pay for it? You can’t just turn you head and ignore what’s going on around you., some would call that inhumane, and children are still humans.

With little direction, and charities struggling at this turbulent time of the year, what can we do to help those in need? Some do nothing, whilst others think about making a change but never get round to it. All it takes is a phone call, a donation or even putting your name down to volunteer you time. Charities from Bernardos to Child line are always looking for help, so you will never be turned away. Change a child’s Christmas, at the same time as improving your own. This year you won’t feel as guilty for indulging in those designer shoes or opening a mass of presents, because you know that somewhere else, another person will have a better Christmas, a happier Christmas because of you.