The most magical time for charitable Chelsea

REACHING out to those in need . . . Chelsea Richards

DO you know someone in Oldham who could benefit from a small gesture to make them feel more positive about the festive season?

Kind-hearted Chelsea Richards has set up the Magic Box Foundation with the intention of bringing smiles to people's faces.

Care
She initially started the project in 2015 with the intention of helping a dozen families. By the end of the year she had sent out 250 boxes after being inundated with requests.

Chelsea (22) said: "I wanted to do a little gesture. Now it's turned into a big thing.

"Even though I get on really well with my mum now, I was in foster care. My nan Beryl brought me up.

"I was in the care system and I could see people struggling. It's Christmas when people really miss their families.

"I was missing my nan at Christmas so I thought I would help out 12 families. It has been tough because I work and I'm a single mum. But I want my son to grow up and realise he's very lucky.

"My nan always donated to charity. I was inspired to just carry on for her."

Chelsea accepts donations of items but it is mostly self-funded, and also gets some help from family and friends in putting packs together.

Survival

For the elderly, the boxes include items such as slippers, puzzles, tea and toiletries.

For children there will be pyjamas, arts and crafts sets, sweets and toys.

A homeless survival pack will include things to keep people warm, such as scarves and gloves, as well as a magazine and present. Chelsea also makes maternity and baby packs.

Now living in Middleton and working for VP Specialists, in Chadderton, Chelsea wants to reach out to people in her new surroundings.

She said: "I got requests from all over the UK, but I'm mostly trying to send them in my area ­- that would be Oldham and Middleton.

"A lot of people say they have an elderly neighbour or there are people out there who knows a friend who is on their own. I push it for Christmas.

"If you don't have a lot of money it's a stressful time.

Donate

"It is self-funded and I do this purely to give back to the community, no-one should feel unhappy at Christmas and last year proved how one small box can create so much happiness."

If you know someone worthy of a magic box, or if you can donate any items, then contact Chelsea on 07472-678 865 or email magicboxfoundation@gmail.com.

View her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/1528117434147381/.

You can also follow her on Instagram @TheMagicBoxFoundation.