Four-year-old Tom has been removed from his parent's care as he was being neglected; Sophie, 11, is a carer for her mum who has a life-limiting illness; and Izzie, six, has recently moved in with her dad following the sudden death of her mum - but he's struggling financially.
These are just some of the heartbreaking stories of children in the North East who may not receive anything this Christmas without your support.
One family is determined to make sure every child in need receives presents to open on Christmas morning as it launches its annual festive appeal under the name 'Norah's North Pole'. For the last seven years, a team of volunteers based in Sunderland have spent weeks collecting donations of toys and gifts for youngsters across the region, who have been referred to them by schools and social services.
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Last year, the group donated an incredible 8,000 'Santa sacks' filled with donated gifts, and this year it looks set to help even more children as families struggle with the cost of living crisis.
Speaking to ChronicleLive about this year's appeal, Victoria Imrie-Bell, said: "We are definitely seeing the impact that the cost of living crisis is having on both sides. Our lists [of children in need] have never been so long and there are so many schools trying to get in touch this year to get on the list but the donations are not coming through in the same volume we have seen in previous years."
The appeal caters to newborns right the way up to youngsters in their late teens. Each child will receive a Santa sack full of gifts including a main present related to their specific interest, a soft toy, pyjamas and a selection box.
Victoria continued: "It is definitely the hardest year we have had so far and that continued community effort is what we are relying on this year and we are appealing to that Christmas kindness to see if we can deliver for these children to make sure they feel valued and that Santa hasn't forgotten about them."
The deadline for donations is December 14, with families collecting the sacks from schools before the end of the term.
To donate a gift on the Amazon wishlist that will be delivered to Norah's North Pole HQ, please visit: https://amzn.to/3Ueot4M
To make an online donation that will be used to buy gifts or to buy food to go with the Santa sacks for those who will not have enough to eat at Christmas, please visit: https://gofund.me/f741625e
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