5 Ways to Get Involved with your Community this Christmas

19th December, 2016

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For many of us, Christmas is a pretty sweet time of the year; the presents, the carols, the food... (mince pies go down a treat with ice cream FYI). But the festive season isn't all about unwrapping gifts and stuffing your face - also known as the season of giving, Christmas is a time to think about those who aren't as fortunate as ourselves. So, in the name of festive cheer, we're calling on our fans to spread the peace and love this December by getting out there to do their bit! Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

  1. Set an Extra Place at the Table

    Community Christmas are on a mission to ensure elderly people don't spend Christmas alone this year. Providing a platform to connect, their website links up those experiencing loneliness with those who have something to offer - be that a cup of tea or a plate of turkey. If you can spare a chair this year, get involved here.

  2. Help Out a Food Bank

    There are people in our communities who struggle to feed their families all year round, and Christmas in particular is a time when people feel the pinch. If you're lucky enough to have plenty to eat already this year, why not donate some extra food or a few hours of your time? Both could make a big difference. Putting together a reverse advent calendar is also a great idea, as is checking out The Trussell Trust's list of food banks to find one nearby you could help at.

  3. Run Up Some Good Will

    December and exercise aren't often words that go hand in hand, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to introduce them. Good Gym brings people together to keep fit whilst doing something good in their community, whether it's gardening at a community center or repainting a retirement home. Sounds like a good way to work up an appetite for another turkey sandwich to us!

  4. Volunteer with Crisis at Christmas

    Crisis, the national charity for the homeless, is running its annual campaign to make Christmas a reality for those without a roof over their heads. From helping with collections, to cooking up a mean Christmas feast, or even throwing a party, there are tons of ways to get involved! Find out more here.

  5. Give as You Live

    Give as you Live makes spreading the good cheer easy as pie. By shopping through their site, you can automatically donate a portion of your Christmas shopping to a charity that's close to your heart, without paying a penny extra. So your Christmas shopping this year can benefit more than just your nearest and dearest!