It’s hard to think of those less fortunate at Christmas time when you are panicking over gifts & food. However, there are many who are less fortunate and less able to celebrate, from those sleeping rough over the festive period to elderly people living alone.
If you want to do some good this Christmas, by donating your time or money, we have a long list of ways you can help out those in need!
Charity Gifts
House overflowing with bath sets & gifts you probably won’t use? Can’t think of a gift for that person who has everything? Give/ask for a gift to charity instead – then you know your money is actually paying for something useful.
From helping to save lives with vital vaccines to buying livestock for villagers, there are tons of options on what charities to go for! Here at YourMoneySaving our charity of choice this Christmas is The British Heart Foundation.
Lend A Hand To The Homeless
Why not volunteer your time this Christmas to help out the Homeless. Crisis is looking for volunteers to help run homeless centres in London, Birmingham, Coventry, Newcastle and Edinburgh. The centres provide meals, entertainment and learning opportunities for people living rough or sleeping in hostels over Christmas.
You don’t need any qualifications or experience to be a general volunteer, but they’re also looking for people with specific skills, eg, chefs, hair and beauty therapists, tutors and counsellors.
Helping The Elderly
Loneliness is something that a lot of elderly people face year-round but even more so at Christmas. Age UK is looking for ‘telephone befrienders’ to have a 30-min call with an older person once a week. You’ll be matched with someone with similar interests and given online training.
You don’t have to give out your phone number, as Age UK’s computer system automatically connects you with your telephone friend.
Donate Blankets To Animal Shelters
Sadly lots of unwanted pets will be spending Christmas in rehoming centres. You can support them by donating blankets, treats and toys.
To find a centre near you, search online for ‘animal shelters’ or ‘animal rescue centres’ in your area. They’ll usually list online what donations they most need, or you can call and ask before you visit.
Plus if you’re good with a knitting needle, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has instructions on making blankets, cat toys, and even a bandana (on which calming scents can be sprayed for stressed dogs).
Feed The Starving
The Hunger Site – an example of a ‘click ‘n’ give’ website. Click through and amid a pile of banners, you’ll see an orange button in the middle of the site’s front page. There’s an emblazoned message: “Click here – it’s free!” Click on this link and its sponsors will donate some money to charity.
The logic behind this site is brilliant. It’s a win-win-win situation for the starving, the internet user and the sponsors. For companies, it’s a cost-effective, feel-good public relations exercise, especially powerful when helping to promote ethical brands.
Give Blood
Giving blood can be an invaluable gift for someone you don’t even know. Donations are needed year-round, but this can be a great way to do good at Christmas without having to spend any money.
For full info on who can give blood and where you need to go, click the relevant country’s link: England & N Wales, the rest of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
*This article was inspired by Money Saving Expert -How To Do Good At Christmas *
