Law firm’s Secret Santa plea to help children

Secret Santas from Oxford law firm Blake Morgan are calling on local businesses to support an appeal which will ensure children helped by social services receive at least one present this Christmas.

The firm is once again co-ordinating the Secret Santa scheme, an initiative that last year saw more than 400 gifts given to children nominated by Oxfordshire Social Services, as well as Children Heard and Seen, an Oxford charity that helps children who have a parent in prison.

Those taking part are given gift tags which show the first names, ages and gift ideas of children who would appreciate a little extra Christmas cheer.

The volunteers at participating businesses choose the tag of a child they wish to buy for and then spend their own money on a suitable present before wrapping it and attaching the tag. Presents chosen by the children last year included anything from Lego to toiletries to a starter angling set.

All the presents are collected at Blake Morgan’s offices at Seacourt Tower, in West Way, so they can be passed on to social services in time for Christmas.

Robert Mulvany, a solicitor in Blake Morgan’s Succession and Tax team, which co-ordinates the scheme for the firm, said: “It’s a simple idea that makes a big difference to some of the young people who need it most.

“Last year, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of local firms, we were able to provide presents to 421 children in need. The scheme has grown phenomenally over the last few years and I am hoping that we can help more than 600 children this year.

“This scheme relies on the support of our partner organisations and I am very grateful to each and every person that takes part.”

A reception will be held on 15 December at Seacourt Tower for participating businesses before the presents are loaded into cars and taken away by social services and the charity in time for Christmas Day.

Businesses interested in taking part are invited to contact Robert at [email protected] or call 01865 258 067.