Boxing Day has long been a day of charity, when alms for the poor would be distributed or, in the Victorian era, servants were given a day off and a box of gifts.
This year, times are especially tight – and the four charities we have chosen for our annual Christmas appeal need all the support they can get.
Action for Children, founded in 1869, helps vulnerable youngsters across the country by providing practical and emotional care and support: they have seen the impact that the cost of living is having on families.
The Advice Line for AgeUK has received an almost 40 per cent increase in calls about access to benefits: thankfully the organisation is on hand to give information, support, friendship and advice to those in need.
Research from Macmillan shows that around two million people with cancer are concerned about the rising cost of food, so the charity is doing its very best to help people with cancer to live life as well as they can, supporting those who have been diagnosed as well as their families.
Finally, Royal British Legion Industries is our country’s top charity providing welfare, jobs and accommodation for those who have served, as well as their families. A jump in the cost of energy means it has to dig even deeper to run its homes and social enterprise factories.
Last year, our readers donated close to £700,000. If you would like to support these excellent causes, you can ring 0151 284 1927 or go online at telegraph.co.uk/2022appeal. Thank you for your generosity.
This is a day for giving
This year, times are especially tight – and the charities we have chosen for our annual Christmas appeal need all the support they can get