While the festive season is joyful for many, some don’t feel the same way. The festive season is a perfect time of year to appreciate what you have, but more importantly, give back to your local community by getting involved with Christmas charity. We have listed simple ways to support your local community and give back this festive season.
1. Volunteer for a Local Food Bank
The festive period is busy for everyone, including charitable organisations. If you are looking to support your local community, why not contact a local food bank? You can check your local council’s website to find food banks in your area that might need your support this year.
All support is valid whether you can volunteer for 2 hours or 2 days. You can help prep, serve, pack supplies, and make deliveries. You can also support charities via telephone and email over the holidays.
Many charities even open their doors on Christmas Day to support those in need. Soup kitchens, for example, often serve the homeless on this day to ensure they have something to eat. If you want to volunteer on Christmas Day, search ‘Christmas volunteer work near me’ to find Christmas charity opportunities.
2. Support Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses is something we should be doing all year round, but especially during the holidays. The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year for businesses, and many of us shop at large organisations and chains.
Local companies need support during the festive season, and more often than not, you’ll find some incredible hidden gems – a fun life hack to remember!
3. Donate Gifts for Christmas
Donating is an excellent way to make a difference during the holidays. You can make a box full of Christmas goodies for children who wouldn’t ordinarily be getting presents, or you could fill it with everyday essentials that we often take for granted. Or why not do both?
Everything from clothing, bedding, food, and festive gifts can be donated, so why not see what local charities are requesting and see how you can make a difference? You could also donate chocolate advent calendars in the run-up to Christmas so everyone can enjoy the countdown to the festive season with a chocolate treat.
4. Donate to the Christmas Shoe Box Appeal
The Christmas shoebox appeal has been running since 1992 and involves donating a shoebox of items to those in need. This is a great way to donate gifts for Christmas. You can create shoeboxes for children, families and elderly people and donate items you think they’d enjoy. Items can range from everyday essentials, such as shower gels and shampoos, to gifts like games, stationery and sweets.
There are a number of shoe box appeals that you can choose from that donate to people in the UK and abroad. Abroad destinations for some shoeboxes will go to the poorest people in Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria and Romania.
5. Charity Gifts to Give For Christmas
You can donate to the less fortunate while shopping for your weekly food shop. Purchasing simple products and leaving them in the donation boxes in your local supermarket is a simple gesture that goes a long way!
6. Organise a Festive Charity Bake Sale
Looking for ways you can get involved in Christmas charity work with others? Bake sales are a simple and classic idea that works every time. Grab your apron and whip up some quick treats to raise money.
Pop on a bake sale in your office. Or, why not buddy up with a friend and host your bake sale in a local community centre, a popular supermarket, or a local farmers market? You could even speak with any local events taking place to see if you can get your bake sale involved!
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