A Norfolk childminder is hoping her gift appeal will support struggling families this Christmas.

Mariella Caiger, from Fakenham, runs Littlestars Childminding.

This Christmas she has launched a gift-raising effort for Action for Children, as she tries to ease the pressure on local people. 

Miss Caiger, who is an Ofsted registered childminder, has been involved in charity work for several years.

This has included making donations of food, hats, gloves, clothes and sleeping bags to the homeless around Norwich, and a charity walk with the children she looks after for Barnardos.

She also organised a craft fair and fun day to raise money for a friend's daughter who has Cerebral Palsy, as well as a similar event for Cancer Research.

“I have always been involved in volunteering since a young age and helping charities,” said the 37-year-old.

“I used to fundraise each year through my old job for a charity in Norwich called Connects & Co who help young carers - I really enjoyed it.

“I wanted to help others and I think it's important to set an example to both the children I childmind, and our own children - the importance of helping people who need it and understanding the challenges other people face in life.”

Fakenham & Wells Times: The donations she has received in the last week since askingThe donations she has received in the last week since asking (Image: Mariella Caiger)

This year, Miss Caiger would like to help children who may not necessarily receive many presents this year due to the cost of living crisis, in the knowledge that many families are struggling to buy food or pay heating bills. 

She has asked people and businesses to donate gifts that will hopefully help relieve some of the worries on families.

Miss Caiger has been in touch with Action For Children as they work with families that need help in the Fakenham area.

So far, she has received donations from Tesco and The Original Factory Shop in Fakenham, and The Entertainer and Youngsters World in King’s Lynn.

Fakenham & Wells Times: These are the gifts Miss Caiger managed to get two years ago for Action for childrenThese are the gifts Miss Caiger managed to get two years ago for Action for children (Image: Mariella Caiger)

Once the gifts are wrapped, they will be collected on December 9 so there is plenty of time to deliver them before Christmas. 

Those looking to help can buy gifts and contact Miss Caiger to arrange for them to be dropped off or collected. All donations must be handed in by December 7. 

To contact her, email littlestarschildminding.mariella@yahoo.com