How to give back this Christmas

(Photo : Pixabay)

Christmas is the most magical time of year. Every December, we start pencilling parties into our diaries, assessing our finances for all the festivities, picking up thoughtful gifts for our loved ones and writing our shopping lists for Christmas dinner essentials. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, Christmas this year is going to be a little different. We won't be able to celebrate in huge groups or go out to the pub with friends, but that doesn't have to stop us from giving back or showing just how appreciative we are for everything we have got.

So many individuals and charities need a little extra help during the festivities, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. If you would like to get involved in some charitable deeds this season, here are some ways that you can give back to your community.

Lend a helping hand

Do you know someone who might need help this Christmas? Perhaps you have an elderly neighbour who can't get out much, or a friend that works extremely long hours and has trouble juggling work with childcare? Whether it's popping over the road with some groceries, or offering babysitting services to busy parents, the smallest gestures can make a significant difference to somebody's life.

Volunteer as a call companion

Older people can feel incredibly lonely over the winter period. With little sunshine and bad weather, they often don't want to get out much, or they don't have the chance to see their family as often. Charities such as Re-engage help to support older people who live alone so that they don't feel isolated. Having recently set up a new call companion service, volunteers can now make regular phone calls to these individuals, providing a lifeline of friendship. If you love a chat, there's no doubt that you'll be able to make an older person feel special over winter - and beyond.

Donate toys for children

If you have got kids yourself, there may be plenty of toys lying around the house that don't get played with anymore. If this is the case, it would be a lovely idea to donate them to children less fortunate. Many Salvation Army churches and centres will be running a Christmas present appeal this year, which means that you can drop off gifts for children until mid-December.

Volunteer at a food bank

There are many families who will be sat at home today wondering what they will be able to afford to eat on Christmas Day. If you would like to be able to help provide meals to different households over the festive period, then volunteer at a food bank. They provide an essential lifeline for families living in poverty. Whether you'd like to volunteer in a warehouse, at an emergency food bank centre, make a donation online or leave food at a local collection point, volunteering will allow you to feed lots of happy stomachs over Christmas.