Giving back this Christmas
Christmas is around the corner and whilst it’s time to get excited about all of the food, gifts and festivities, it’s important to think about those in need. This time of year can be particularly difficult for older people, those with limited resources, and marginalised members of the community.
With the current cost of living crisis, now more than ever it’s crucial that we come together to support our communities whether through volunteering, donations or raising awareness. If you’re keen to give back this Christmas, and need some guidance navigating the many, many charities and causes, below is a great place to start.
Here we’ve compiled a list of five brilliant charity Christmas appeals supporting members of our community who are particularly vulnerable this time of year. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to share what we can with those less fortunate?
Five Charity Appeals to support this Christmas
1. Gift a children's book with The Book Trust Christmas Appeal
The BookTrust Christmas Appeal raises money to send surprise festive book parcels to children who are vulnerable or in care. A small donation can buy a child a festive book parcel that they can cherish.
2. Volunteer at a shelter or hotel with Crisis at Christmas
Every year, Crisis at Christmas offers valuable resource to those at risk or currently facing homelessness and poverty in the UK. You can support through donations or by volunteering at one of their day centres, warehouses or hotels offering temporary accommodation to those in need. They are looking for volunteers to offer companionship, skills, serve Christmas dinners and much more. Sign up here today
3. Wear a Christmas jumper on Christmas Jumper Day
On Thursday 8th December, people all around the UK will be donning Christmas jumpers at work and beyond and donating £2 to the Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day appeal. The appeal helps mums, young children and babies in Kenya to get food and life saving medicine they desperately need. This year, your donation will have double the impact as the UK government have pledged to match fund! So for every £2 raised, the government will donate £2. That’s a pretty big impact for just putting on a silly jumper! You can sign up here
4. Donate to the Rainbow Trust
The cost of living crisis is having a major impact on all of us. But for some families whose children require life saving treatments the rising cost of fuel means they need support more than ever. The Rainbow Trust are raising £15,000 to fund rising fuel costs to ensure they can take more children to hospital for life saving treatments. Donate here
5. Support the Whitechapel Mission
Year round The Whitechapel Mission offer multiple services such as access to day care centres, showers, advice, computing skills, food and clothing to those living on the street. This year, as a result of the cost of living crisis and anticipated extremely low temperatures this winter these members of our community will struggle even more. You can help by donating food, clothing and toiletries. Take a look at the Whitechapel Gift List for an updated list of most needed items.