// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Christmas donations gift demand up, charities say
The Christmas Sparkle appeal said demand for toys has gone up in recent years
Charities giving Christmas presents to struggling families say more children need their help - but they are getting fewer donations this year.
The Chard Christmas Present Appeal said it was having to deal with a high-than-normal demand this year, and blamed the problem on more people struggling financially.
Martyna Lee, founder of the appeal, said a lot of families were worried about affording presents for their children due to the cost of living crisis and have "tears in their eyes" when the charity can help them.
She added: "We are getting more referrals and less donations because of cost of living, so we do struggle. Cost of living is going to get harder and harder."
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Lee started the appeal by herself in 2019 from her living room as part of the Lord's Larder food bank in Chard.
They rely completely on donations and do not receive any funding.
The Chard Christmas Present Appeal said more families need their help this year
"With one family, the social worker asked the children what they would like for Christmas and they asked for pencils and a colouring book," Lee said.