After spending the Summer holidays with your children, it can be a bittersweet moment when you send them back off into the world. They’ve grown a little taller, and a little wiser, but in your eyes, they are still your babies. You make sure their uniforms are ironed, their lunches packed and their pencils sharpened. You hug them tightly, and whisper a prayer to protect them, as they disappear into the crowds.
This year, once again, as you helped prepare your own children for their September start, you thought of children from HHUGS families who can afford the uniform, and essentials they need.
“I can honestly say it’s the first academic year with no stress or worry when it comes to buying the kids the uniform and other stuff related to school. I can’t thank HHUGS enough for making this happen you are the best charity that I can rely on during these hard years. May Allah reward you immensely and Jazakallah Khair.
Even in the current cost of living crisis, we continued to see your generosity in action, with £9,235 donated towards our Back 2 School Campaign, raising 50% of our target. HHUGS distributed £18,407, providing 86 children in 40 households with school uniforms and essential stationery and learning resources. Your support has come at a time when it was most needed. For families already on the breadline, the current financial crisis brings with it further stress and anxiety, so the added cost of going back to school can push them to the edge.
“The time before back to school is the most hardest time for me. I am very grateful for the help that HHUGS gave us. My kids are going to be able to have nice clothes and shoes for school Alhamdulillah..’
With the current cost of living crisis, many of us are paying more attention to our finances. We may hold on any making any major financial decisions, or think of ways of how we can reduce our spending. However, no matter how careful you are, life can be unpredictable. There are times where you may face a financial hit, and for those of us who have a rainy-day fund, we can sail through it cautiously.
However, for HHUGS families, there is no rainy-day fund or safety buffer. When they are hit financially, it can be detrimental. Being supported by HHUGS can help lift their burden during uncertain times.
“Having moved areas and schools, I don’t know how I would’ve managed without the help from HHUGS.”
“My husband was fired from work. I cannot thank HHUGS enough for helping us, Tears fill up my eyes. Only Allah can reward you all, the pressure and stress the worry has been lifted off our shoulders. Jazaakumullahu Khayran.”
For those who have no one to looking out for them, your support and generosity is a gift of love, and warmth. A good deed you may have done in passing, has such a profound impact on the recipient. You showed up, and reached out, as a family member would.
“(It was) a huge stress relief and mental load off me. I don’t have a father or a brother to rely on, I’m a single mother with two teenagers and don’t work. The unique kind of support HHUGS gives me and my children is just like the one of a father. I feel adopted by HHUGS. It’s my family, Alhamdulillah. May Allah reward each of the supporters, the workers, and everyone that has helped us.”
The financial struggles of HHUGS families impact the children heavily within the household. Although their mothers try their hardest to shelter them from how bad things are, they pick up on the tension within the household and feel the mental strain too.
“She’s aware of our financial situation and I can tell she worries. This extra support from HHUGS means she doesn’t have to feel “less than” anyone in school or among her friends, Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alameen!
The new term should be a time where children are excited to see their friends, and get stuck into a new academic year. However, the reality is, for HHUGS children it is a time which they dread. They face bullying and taunting by their peers for turning up with the incorrect uniform, and for standing out once again. But thanks to your support, HHUGS children could stand tall this September, confident and ready to learn.
“They get to wear new clothes like everyone else and feel good about themselves.”
“My daughter usually has to wait for me to purchase her stationery last after all essentials uniform items are bought. She is starting her GCSES this year so she was able to confidently pick what was needed for herself and for her brother who his going into Year 7. They each have their own supply, which also has eased his nerves in starting a new school. I would like to thank HHUGS for their support as, without it, I would be in debt especially with increase in cost of living.”
“Alhamdulillah they will be able to have confidence and not be bullied at school like others years.”
Children within your community are settled into their classrooms, feeling confident and ready to learn. Without your support, it would have been a different chapter for them. By extending your hand, and helping them with their September start, you have reminded them that everyone deserves a fresh start, and that there are people who care.
“You have done more then we have expected.”
“Just keep up what you’re doing. May Allah reward you all, ameen!”
You have been the strangers who have equipped these families with the essentials you need, and you will always be a part of their story. You have blown us, and our families away. Thank you for that, may Allah reward you immensely.
We raised 50% of our target, so if you still would like to donate to help us reach our final target, you can do so here!