We had spoken with Claire a few times and had a toy for my son but really came under her radar about 18 months ago, I had been full time working, sometimes 7 days a week for a few years and after paying the rent and childminders never seemed to have much of anything left, my 2 children had slight additional needs making life hard, transport to work was expensive and bills weren't getting paid and I'd become familiar with the food bank. I then fell pregnant and single around the same time, I became very ill during the pregnancy and was unable to work for a few months, our situation of scraping together to make ends meet became even worse, I didn't know how long I'd be off work so had to pay to keep a place open at the childminders while taking home a percentage of my previous wage that we weren't surviving with, to add to it, my son's birthday was coming up! I spoke with Claire asking for help for my son's birthday, explaining my situation, she put out a post and so many people offered wonderful presents for my little boy, who was already having a scary time with a new baby on the way and mummy so poorly, it made his birthday feel normal and he was so happy! Someone even made him a cake. Claire then had a delivery sent for me through the Exeter baby bank, of a Moses basket, some clothes, nappies, even some soft toys, everything I needed as a basic for the baby coming but couldn't afford due to my work situation. We then had food parcels when times were bad and on the lead up to Christmas (2020) were included in the Christmas present collection ran by Claire and her elves, this meant that when I was still struggling to get by, bad health and the constant fear of letting my children down because of the situation I had found myself in, they got to have a bit of normality with a lovely Christmas, even the dinner was provided by kind people's donations. Over the next year, we had regular knocks at the door with a lovely elf with some nappies or a bag of food and throughout lockdown 1, Claire kept in regular contact ensuring that we were ok, sending food or vouchers, Claire's constant hard work meant that a scary year was less of a worry as we didn't go without. This Christmas although we still had some help, it felt so good to be able to donate some brand new gifts for Christmas presents for children, knowing first hand what an impact these have on the children but more so the parents who due to life circumstances have found themselves wondering where the next loaf of bread is coming from, let alone being able to afford to make their children feel happy and safe. It wasn't just the donations, it is a little voice message here and there from Claire, checking in, seeing if you're ok, letting you know you aren't alone which makes such a difference. We wouldn't have got through the last 18 months or so without the help and support from Claire, the elves and all the wonderful community out there, joining together to ensure that no one goes without and I will be forever grateful xx