Child Writes to Santa Asking for a Home and Food in Heartbreaking Christmas Letter
7-year-old asks Santa to help family in letter left in community center post box
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A heartbreaking letter has been found that was written by a 7-year-old child, in which they ask Santa to provide food and a home for their family this Christmas.
An unnamed young girl from Liverpool, UK penned the poignant letter that was found in the Christmas post box at the city's L6 Community Centre when they began decorating for the festive season in late November.
The post box was set up for children who visit the center to post letters asking Santa for their Christmas wishes.
In the letter, the child says: "Dear Father Christmas. Can you help?
"Can we have a home for Christmas? Mam wants us to be all together. Can you give us some food and can I have just a nice doll for Christmas?
"Thank you."
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According to Sky News, a copy of the letter was posted on Twitter by a local Labour councilor, Gerard Woodhouse, who said:
"I stopped by yesterday, and I opened the post box and saw the letter there. It was so upsetting to read.
"I know the children, and it's not right that a seven-year-old child is worrying about Christmas in November.
"There is no one around to support these children."
Despite the seemingly desperate nature of the letter, Mr. Woodhouse said he is not surprised by it.
"It's only going to get worse," he said.
"A few weeks ago we were sitting down with a few of the kids from the center.
"One child said, 'I just want to be warm this Christmas'.
"These kids know their parents have not got the money this year for presents.
"We are seeing first-hand how difficult it is, and it is just so upsetting."
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Mr. Woodhouse added that the team at the community center are trying to help the family, with talks of them being put up in a hotel for Christmas Day.
At the moment, the children currently live with a relative.
After the letter was posted online, an outpouring of support followed, with people offering toys or volunteering their time to help the center.
The center describes itself as in the "heart of Everton-supporting community [in] north Liverpool to try and make a difference for the young and old."
Poverty in Liverpool is higher than the UK average, with 29% of children in the city living below the breadline once housing costs are taken into consideration - according to a 2018 House of Commons report.
