For one County Durham man Christmas isn't just about parties and presents, it's about ensuring every child feels the magic of the season - no matter their circumstances.
Through his annual Secret Santa for Vulnerable Children initiative, Dale Cullen is helping to ensure that children in need across the community wake up to a little joy on Christmas morning.
The inspiration for Dale's campaign comes from a deeply personal place. He explained how his late 'Grandma Hazel', known for her selflessness, instilled in him the importance of helping others.
Dale, from Chester-le-Street, said: "I was so close with my late Grandma Hazel, who was the epitome of a selfless person. She would always be giving back to those less fortunate and would help anyone who crossed her path. I feel since she has passed away, doing this for others really helps keep her memory alive."
Dale said that his social conscience also drives his efforts, adding: "It's easy to become wrapped up in our own lives and forget others are not as fortunate and a lot of people struggle, often in silence. The tough times never last forever, but the memory of someone helping you through them always does."
The initiative, which raises funds through a GoFundMe campaign, is dedicated to buying gifts for children who might otherwise go without. Over the years, it has grown significantly.
Dale started small, gifting hampers to care homes at Christmas. As word spread, his efforts expanded to focus on providing gifts for vulnerable children.
He said: "The campaign has grown year on year. In the beginning, I remember gifting hampers to care homes through the Christmas months, and I did about five of them. The year after that, I started with Christmas gifts for vulnerable children."
Acknowledging that getting support can sometimes be challenging, Dale said: "These days, not many people have spare cash to donate to my fund. But I try my best to educate people and remind them that even if they do one small gesture themselves, it really does make a huge impact on other people's lives, no matter how big or small."
Dale Cullen's campaign is dedicated to buying gifts for children who might otherwise go without (Image: DALE CULLEN)
Beyond just delivering gifts, the project is about creating memories and having a lasting impact on children and their families. Dale shared one particularly moving story of a single mother who received help during a difficult time.
He said: "She wrote to me explaining what a difference the appeal made to her whole family's Christmas. The fact a random stranger had pretty much covered her family's Christmas list was hard to believe, and she said she didn't know how she could ever repay me.
"For me, it's not about being repaid or even thanked. If I could do this anonymously every year without anyone knowing it was me, I would. But to achieve as much as possible, I have to put myself out there to appeal for support."
Looking ahead, Dale is optimistic about the campaign's future. He believes that if the initiative could thrive during the global pandemic, there's no limit to what can be achieved as the country recovers.
"I really hope this campaign continues to grow each year, and I'm confident it will," he said.
"If one man can raise hundreds of pounds and help hundreds of children each year, there's nothing stopping other people from doing it. Imagine the difference that could be made if more people did something similar in their own area. People helping people is what Christmas is all about."
Most read:
Get the most out of your local news with The Northern Echo Subscribe now and enjoy access for the whole of 2025 for only £25 or enjoy your first six months for £6
The GoFundMe page has already started to see support, but there's still time to get involved. Dale encourages donations, spreading the word, or even volunteering, reminding people that every little bit counts.
This Christmas, Chester-le-Street's own Secret Santa is showing that the festive spirit is alive and well, and that a little kindness can go a long way.
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/secret-santa-for-vulnerable-children.