Six-year-old raising money to give homeless children in Sunderland a Christmas to remember

Jessica Willey, aged six, from Washington has raised around £500 in cash and donations by selling Christmas cards in order to give homeless children in Sunderland a Christmas that they will remember.

Her efforts will mean that 32 children, who are aged from a new born baby to 17-years-old, will receive Christmas presents this year.

The children are in the care of homeless charity Centrepoint and Jessica will be using the money to buy toys, clothes, sweets and toiletries which will be wrapped for them to open on Christmas morning.

Jessica’s school, St Joseph’s primary RC in Washington, have also pledged to give a cash donation to the charity to help boost donations even further.

Her mum, Andrea Willey has told the Echo where the idea to give homeless children gifts came from and explained how difficult Christmas is for them.

The 37-year-old said: “Jessica is very aware and understands how difficult Covid has made it for some families throughout both lockdowns.

"She designed some Christmas cards which we have had professional printed and decided that we’d choose Centrepoint for the charity.

"We’re going to help 32 children who got nothing last year, only a selection box but this year they will receive things like toys, clothes and toiletries.”

This is Jessica’s third charity drive this year, having previously raised enough money to give NHS and care home staff patched lunches by selling drawings of rainbows and bookmarks.

She even received a Commonwealth Point of Light award for her fundraising work with the rainbows and Andrea has spoken about how proud she is of Jessica’s efforts throughout the difficult year.

The mum-of-three added: “This is her third campaign and I’m just blown away by the response that she has had.

"I’m so proud, everyone has been affected by the impact of coronavirus but people are still coming forward to help Jessica.

"Her school are behind her by helping her out and she is going to be included in their next newsletter. It’s just so kind what she wants to do.”

Donna Grieves, the service manager at Centrepoint Sunderland has thanked Jessica for her support during what she says is a difficult time for young people at Centrepoint.

She commented: “After a difficult year for all the young people we work with in Sunderland, it’s great that fundraisers like Jessica have been able to help provide some Christmas cheer.

“It’s so inspiring that at such a young age she is thinking of others and we can’t thank her enough.

“Christmas in particular can be difficult for the young people Centrepoint support which is why we are hugely grateful for Jessica and her mum’s support and can’t wait to see the young people enjoy their gifts.”

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