‘Tis the season of good will – and these six ways to give back this Christmas will brighten the lives of children and families, through December and beyond.
Donate toys, attend carol concerts, help put a roof over a younger persons head or send global support – here are some ways to help families around the world have a much happier Christmas and a brighter new year.
1. Donate A Gift
Every child should have the joy of opening a present on Christmas morning and, all over the country, there are charities collecting gifts to pass on to families who would appreciate them. Through their Christmas Present Appeal the Salvation Army distributed 76,000 gifts last year – and all you have to do to help is buy a new toy as a gift (they don’t accept second-hand) and pass it over (unwrapped) to your local centre. If you’d rather select a gift online then check out the Santa Stork appeal where you can personally – and virtually – select a gift for babies through to teens, choosing to buy as many as you like. Kids Out offer a similar service with their online Giving Tree shop, allowing people to give toys and gifts to disadvantaged children all over the UK, while Action for Children runs a ‘Secret Santa’ appeal, through which you can donate anything from a new toy to a new bed and warm duvet. To give more practical items such as nappies, formula and clothing, get in touch with Little Village.
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2. Christmas Jumper Day
Who doesn’t love donning a Christmas jumper? Kids certainly do. But wouldn’t it feel even more fun if you knew that doing so would help to raise money for children who need it the most? Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day event has been running since 2012 and has raised over £35 million for children in the UK and around the world. Every December, millions of people all over the UK pull on a festive knit at their workplace, school, or with friends and make a donation that helps to give opportunities to youngsters. This year it is taking place on 7 December so, if your child’s school or your office isn’t signed up to take part, now is the time to get in touch with Save the Children who will send you a fundraising pack. It’s that simple. Everyone who joins in donates £2 – or more if they want to. Over two million school children and 24,000 workplaces took part in Christmas Jumper Day last year and the charity is hoping to beat that total in 2023. A bright and cheerful way of making a difference.
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3. Support A Family
Choose Love helps refugees and displaced people all over the world. Since 2015 they have supported over five million people worldwide, across more than 30 countries; responding to emergencies and providing search and rescue, emergency medical care and vital supplies. Their fantastic online shop lets you buy and donate everything from food and baby clothes to children’s educational toys and lifesaving treatment and shelter, while their seasonal pop-up shop has reopened on London’s Carnaby Street (57 Carnaby Street, W1F 9QF). All you need to do is visit their website or store, select the gifts you’d like to give, and pay.
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4. Attend A Carol Concert
A carol service is one of the most wonderful Christmas traditions and attending one in aid of charity can also be a truly joyous way of giving to a great cause. There are so many concerts taking place all over the UK in aid of children’s organisations and charities, many in some of the most beautiful churches in London. On 12 December the Prince’s Trust will hold its service in St Paul’s Cathedral with celebrity readers and performers including Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Joanna Lumley and Richard E Grant. The Rainbow Trust are holding their concert at St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge on 7 December and the Great Ormond Street Hospital service will take place in the same church on 12 December. Or join Solving Kids Cancer UK on Tuesday 5 December at Holy Trinity Sloane Square for their annual Christmas Carol concert. All offer a truly uplifting and festive way to give something to children and families who need support.
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5. Help A Young Homeless Person
Centre Point is the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity who support over 16,000 young people every year, and offer specific ways in which you can donate to help youngsters have a happier Christmas and a brighter new year. There are a range of ways to help, from something as simple as a £15 toiletries box to a £125 ‘Gift of Christmas’ package which includes a stay at a homeless shelter, food and some new clothes. Or dig even deeper and help to give someone a much needed start in life with £20 counselling sessions, or £500 towards their studies with a ‘Gift of Education’ pack. Check the website or give them a call to find out how you can make a difference, no matter how big or small.
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6. Donate As You Shop (At No Extra Cost)
Many of us shop much more than usual during December – be it for gifts, party dresses, or Christmas dinner, our credit cards are more loved at this time of year than any other. If you want to give back as you ‘add to basket’, easyfundraising partners with over 7,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice – and it won’t cost you any extra as the cost is covered by the brand. Big names such as John Lewis, Apple and Nike have all signed up and give between one to five per cent of what you spend. Simply sign up, choose one of hundreds of causes to support, and shop. Once you have an account set up you’ll also have the option to install their browser extension – which will pop up on every retailer site where a donation is available. Check out their website for more information or download the App from the Apple or Google Play stores.
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