IF YOU ever doubt that even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference, just spend a few minutes with Katie Jones. She will convince you entirely that it can.

As CFM’s charity manager, she plays a pivotal part in the Cash For Kids cause, supported by the News & Star Toy Appeal. She sees the impact that your generosity has.

This is undoubtedly her busiest time of the year as the charity and its supporters work flat-out to help make the most special time of the year magical for thousands of children across Cumbria.

No child should have to wake-up on Christmas morning without a present to open.

Yet the heartbreaking reality is that many will – and probably in your community too.

It’s a message - a fact, even - that Katie is keen that we all realise, along the realisation that we can each do something small to help make the most staggering of differences.

Just one gift to the News & Star Toy Appeal – backing the work of CFM’s Mission Christmas – really can make all the difference.

Katie, 30, of Penrith, has seen that herself through her work with Cash For Kids, both as a staff member and a volunteer.

She has close connections with those who ensure the toys donated reach some of the neediest families in our region, ensuring parents do not have to tell their chid there is nothing for them on December 25.

And it’s knowing the difference that makes which spurs both her and colleagues on.

“The reaction we get from families is most often relief. That’s the biggest thing. We often get tears – of joy and relief – that they’re able to give their children something,” says Katie.

“There’s no way that we could do what we’re able to do without the support of Cumbria County Council’s social workers, the children’s charities and other people we work with. They come to us to help make sure we help as many people as possible.”

The fact that Cash For Kids is a trusted local charity helps give confidence that donations given will reach those in need. Hundreds of people have shown their support so far this year, including scores of motorcyclists who took part in the annual santa run to raise the profile of the appeal. 

“Everything we raise locally is spent locally,” Katie says.

That’s something that supporters hope will encourage people to put a little extra in their trolley when present-buying

“People who have their own children know they want to give them the best Christmas presents in the world, but some people just can’t,” she adds. “We’re asking people to add one extra small present to their shopping list.

“It really makes people feel good to know that they have helped. It’s thanks to our supporters that we’re able to keep helping so many people. We know how much of a difference that makes.”

Like those who get satisfaction from doing some good by donating during the most wonderful time of the year, Katie too feels a lot of satisfaction from the work she does.

“It’s an extremely rewarding position to be in to know that, as a charity we have distributed thousands of gifts to thousands of children,” she explains, movingly.

“The people we meet tell us that this makes a massive difference. I don’t think there’s anything more rewarding in the world than being able to help a child of their family through something you have been involved with.”

Ultimately, Katie’s message is simple: “If you can, please buy a gift. Whether for a baby, child or teenager and help them enjoy the magic of Christmas, as we all want to on Christmas morning.”

The generosity you show means Cash For Kids can reach a wide network of people throughout north and west Cumbria and south west Scotland.

Last year, a staggering 7,888 children were given gifts. The value of those presents was an eye-watering £512,000.

Each gift pack delivered to those youngsters averaged £65.

nIn tomorrow’s News & Star: How you can get hands-on and help the appeal