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7 Ways We Can Help Others This Christmas

It’s so easy to get carried away at Christmas with all the shopping, family and festivities. The other side of it is that some people find this time of year the most challenging, in particular following the year we’ve had. I noticed that Deliveroo is providing free food deliveries for NHS workers and started researching ways we can support people locally and around the world this winter. It’s brilliant if you can make a monetary donation, but if this isn’t possible donations of stuff you don’t need any more or a couple of hours volunteering really goes a long way too.

Gifts For Local Children

Each year the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal benefits millions of children and young people who would not otherwise receive a Christmas gift. It’s a really simple way to give back locally. Find your nearest Salvation Army via their website and pop in any time before the appeal closes in mid-December. Recommendations on what to give include: teddies, baby clothes, educational games, colouring sets, books and puzzles, makeup and toiletries.

Shoe Box Gifts For Children Worldwide

No doubt we’re all familiar with the famous shoebox appeals! It’s such a simple way to have a positive impact on a child’s life. Encourage your children to think up little gifts (soft toys, crayons, school supplies) that they’d like to pack into the box. The boxes reach poor and disadvantaged children around the world, and in some cases, as with Children In Distress, there is an option to pack a box for an older person too. You may be able to organise sending a box through your child’s school or local church. Otherwise, here are a few online options: Samaritan’s Purse, FSCI, and Rotary Shoebox.

Clothes & Everyday Essentials For Families

Support local babies, children and families, by donating stuff you don’t need anymore — think cots, blankets, playmats, clothes the kids have grown out of — to a local charity like Little Village. This London-based charity also has a wish list from which you can contribute by buying nappies, toiletries, period products and more. While Little Village is London-based, there’s a helpful map on its website showing baby banks across the UK where you can donate items.

You might also like: 21 Christmas Gift Ideas For The Man Who’s Hard To Buy For

Free Food Deliveries For NHS Workers

Deliveroo is offering some phenomenal support this winter. The food delivery service is giving away 500,000 meals for free to NHS workers and those most in need. If you have a restaurant and would like to donate food, you’re able to do so by completing the Deliveroo form here. You can also support the NHS food deliveries with a monetary donation here or through the Deliveroo app.

Christmas Dinner For Homeless People

Nobody should be alone at Christmas and Crisis are working to bring homeless people support, friendship, food and a place to stay this season. You can help by donating money, volunteering or campaigning. There are options to volunteer nationwide, currently in Birmingham, Coventry, Newcastle and London. Otherwise, get involved by running your own sponsored event!

Support Charities Through Online Virtual Fairs

A highlight of the festive season is usually getting out and about supporting small businesses through Christmas markets and fairs, but sadly not this year! Instead, everything has moved online. The Rugby Portobello Trust Christmas Market (15-18 November 2020) raises funds for children, young people and families in North Kensington through stalls and a Silent Auction, and gives you a discount on top quality artisans, designers and brands. Other online fairs to check out are: The EEC Fair (in support of the ABF Soldiers’ Charity) and Thomas’s Online Fair (in support of Thomas’s Foundation).

Books For Vulnerable Children

With many people facing a difficult Christmas this year, you can help the BookTrust send book parcels to children who may not receive anything else this Christmas. The reading charity is asking for £10 donations to make this possible and support over 14,000 children. Books being sent out this year include The Gruffalo Sound Book, Elmer: A Classic Collection, Through the Animal Kingdom, Our Planet, Wild Lives and Guinness World Records 2021.

Beds For Young Homeless People

There are a record number of young people sleeping rough around the UK and winter is the time of year they’re most at risk. Homeless people’s charity Centrepoint works to turn people’s lives around by providing them with a warm place to stay, basic essentials, and counselling services. A donation of just £10 can really make a difference to someone’s life.