Last year, Jess made the season brighter for dozens of teenage girls by putting together thoughtful gift sets as part of the Burnley Together Christmas Appeal.
Her efforts were a huge success — and this year, she’s back with even bigger plans.
Reflecting on her incredible work in 2024, Jess said: “I was able to donate 75 main presents, including 30 makeup sets filled with eye shadow palettes, make up sponges and lip glosses. This year I would like to collect and create 100–125 makeup kits.”
Back in 2024, Jess first began buying items with her own money before reaching out to the community for support. She added: “I started buying items like eye shadow palettes, makeup sponges, and lip glosses with my own money to put together individual gift bags. When I posted an appeal for donations on social media, I was honestly overwhelmed by the response,” she explained.
This year, Jess is determined to make the appeal even more magical. As well as encouraging people to pick up a small gift — “even a lip gloss or a mascara can cost just a couple of pounds” — she has also set up a GoFundMe page here so people can donate money if they don’t have physical items to give.
And that’s not all. Jess is also hosting a special family-friendly fundraising event at Burnley Youth Theatre, complete with stalls, raffles, and prizes to be won.
Taking place between 12pm and 4pm on Saturday 8th November, the day promises to be a fun day out for all ages while raising money to create even more gift sets.
Her efforts have already inspired many, including Leanne Townley, who works closely with Burnley Together.
Leanne shared: “Thank you for all of your hard work Jess to support us with the Christmas appeal for Burnley Together. We really appreciate it and the young ladies who receive your gifts will be so happy. You are a star.”
For Jess, it’s all about the joy of giving and making sure every child has a magical Christmas, regardless of their age. She concluded: “My aim is to raise awareness and encourage the amazing people of Burnley and Padiham — who are always so generous — to support the appeal again this year”.
She added: “Burnley Together do a fantastic job, and it’s wonderful to think that these gifts will help make Christmas morning really special for so many young people.”
To find out more, please email jholt@calico.org.uk or visit her GoFundMe page to donate.
