‘Tis the season to be giving
‘Tis the season to be giving
We all know that charity begins at home, so we tracked down some of the best community groups and organisations which rely on our help.
Like many of you, we are looking forward to the festive season – spending time with family and friends. But for many this special time of year can bring extra challenges.
This is our list of the local charities, organisations and volunteers who are running festive campaigns this year. With so many initiatives, there are ways that everyone can contribute and no gift is too small.
If you are a local organisation which is running a seasonal campaign, please get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin and we will be delighted to include details here.
Clapham, Battersea and Fulham
The Smile Brigade need your help to take Christmas meals out to vulnerable residents of Hammersmith and Fulham. For a full list of what to donate or how to find out more about delivering meals and parcels, visit https://www.thesmilebrigade.org/communitychristmasmeals
You can Give a Book this Christmas at Battersea Power Station. For the past three years there have been donations from employees and contractors working on the project but this year they are asking customers to take part as well. All books will go to local schools supporting children from under-privileged backgrounds.
For more details and a wish list of books please visit https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/whats-on/detail/give-a-book-this-christmas
Wandsworth and Putney
The Wandsworth Friends of Royal Trinity Hospice Christmas Appeal 2021 is now open for donations. Funds raised help fund nurses who give end of life care at home.
More details here https://www.royaltrinityhospice.london/appeal/fair-appeal
Positively Putney are highlighting the variety of charity and not-for-profit organisations across the town. They encourage everyone to see what they could give or time they could offer. A full list is here http://positivelyputney.co.uk/positive-changes-are-out-of-this-world-with-mr-benn/
There is still time to take part in Earlsfield Food Bank’s Reverse Advent Calendar.
Drop off on Thursday mornings to St Andrew’s Church or drop off boxes at Home Cafe, St Andrew’s Church or Sainsburys on Magdalen Road. Full details reverse advent 2021
Wimbledon
Love Wimbledon has a handy guide to a variety of local charity initiatives. You can see more information here https://lovewimbledon.org/news/where-to-donate-in-wimbledon-this-christmas/
Highlights include the fill a Faith in Action’s Shoebox appeal; Toy Donation at The Entertainer and the Dons Local Action Group.
There is great work being done all year round by Wimbledon Guild and Wimbledon Foodbank but Christmas brings particular pressures. So check out more information about their campaigns.
Kingston
We have already featured RBKCares’ Christmas Kindness for Care Homes but it is worth mentioning again. Donations will help care home residents and staff across the Borough. More information about how to donate here
Formerly Love Kingston, Kingston Charitable Foundation is looking £2500 in online donations as part of The Big Christmas Give Challenge 2021. The Big Give kicks off on 30 November and every pound you can give will be matched. So this is a great way to support the community.
Another wonderful local charity is Kingston Young Carers. At this time of year they offer day trips, presents and other festive activities for young carers from 5-18 years. Financial donations are gratefully received. More information here
Sutton
Volunteer Centre Sutton is hoping for lots of presents on its Amazon wishlist for its Light Up Christmas Appeal. Donations will go to vulnerable adults and children. Information here.
Surrey
The St Raphael’s Hospice Santa Dash is back in person at Nonsuch Park this year. Even if you can’t take part, consider sponsoring the event to help this local charity continue its work. Full details of how to enter are here
Help Age Concern Epsom & Ewell to raise vital funds in its Christmas Knitting Appeal by dusting off those knitting needles and creating one or more of these amazing knitted Christmas Pudding chocolate orange covers.
Knitted creations need to be in by 30 November will be sold every Tuesday in December before Christmas at a stall in Epsom Marketplace. More information here
Epsom and Ewell Foodbank are making Christmas goodie bags for people in need as part of its Christmas Community Project 2021. Requested items include Christmas tea towels; Stuffing (not fresh); Christmas puddings and adult socks.
For a full list of requested items visit the website
You can also support the Christmas campaign text to donate to support families in need here
Reigate’s Stripey Stork are running their Santa Stork campaign again. The virtual Santa shop will provide gifts this Christmas to children and families in need. More details here
If you are a local group running a Christmas campaign and we haven’t included details, please let us know. We would be delighted to include information here. Email marketing@timeandleisure.co.uk
