About Us
The Young Ones project turns tears of emptiness into tears of happiness.
We deliver emergency and gift boxes for disadvantaged local children to ensure they have the dignity and support at times of crisis or isolation.
How we help
Our aim is to ensure that children are cared for and do not go without the basics at a difficult time.
Throughout the year we provide emergency clothing, toiletries, toys, new baby gift boxes and equipment. We provide Christmas gift boxes for age appropriate toys, games, craft items, etc. to ensure that each child has normality and happy memories at this special time of year.
Who we help
Referrals to The Young Ones are only accepted through recognised professionals such as social services, safeguarding teams, schools, NHS community nurses, women’s refuges and other children’s trusted services. This helps ensure support reaches the families that need it most, when they need it most.
We work in a radius of approximately 15 miles of Burton on Trent, covering parts of Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Our History
The Young Ones started about seven years ago, growing out of the well-known Samaritan’s Purse shoebox appeal. At one of their fundraising events - where The Shadtones were singing Cliff Richard songs - someone asked a question that really struck a chord: “What about our local children?”
That simple question planted the seed for what became The Young Ones.
In our very first year, we used whatever leftover items we had from the shoebox appeal. We packed them into any boxes we could find, wrapped them in Christmas paper, and handed out 200 gift boxes - each one a bit of a jumble, but made with love.
When Covid came along, things became much harder. Our team got smaller, fundraising stopped, and charity shops closed. But the need in our community grew, so we stepped up. We began providing not just Christmas and birthday gifts, but also emergency clothing, toiletries, and baby items for families who suddenly had nowhere else to turn.
Since then, we’ve continue to grow. Each Christmas we now give out around 500 gift boxes, and throughout the year we help about 225 children with essentials and little extras to brighten their days.
Meet the Team
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Sheila Meacham
I’m Sheila, mum to two wonderful daughters and proud nana to two grandsons. I retired 17 years ago, which gave me the chance to get more involved in community projects. My husband and I first began helping with the Shoe Box Overseas appeal, and from that work The Young Ones Burton was born seven years ago. I’m honoured to be a founder member and today I look after the roles of Trustee, Agency Liaison and Treasurer. I enjoy meeting all the fantastic people who drop off much needed donations and love shopping for our Christmas gift boxes knowing that they will bring great joy to the children and relief to the parent(s)!
Being part of The Young Ones means a lot to me – It’s a privilege to help turn tears of emptiness into tears of happiness for local children and families.
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Eileen Banton MBE, Trustee
Eileen is a former police officer, protecting and serving her community for 36 years.
On retirement she became part of the South Derbyshire Voluntary Service where she set up a Food Bank and Community Fridge, working in partnership with many local organisations.
She continues to be active with this initiative whilst also working in partnership with her Central Co-Op, sitting with the Membership Community Council and supporting and funding local community events.
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Elliot Bishton
Elliot initially became involved with the Young Ones as a business owner looking for opportunities to support the local community.
His company, Engravers Guild, was proud to become a corporate sponsor of the organisation and he has been working with the Young Ones ever since.
Today, he supports the group with sourcing gifts, communications and general organisation.
Former to his time in business, Elliot was a corporate PR professional in London.