While Christmas is a wonderful time to have fun, exchange gifts, and enjoy being with your loved ones, it’s also the season of goodwill.
So, if you find yourself with some free time or a little extra cash to go around, you might want to consider giving back during the festive season.
Indeed, individuals and charitable organisations may need your help now more than ever due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
A report by the Charities Aid Foundation found that 81% of charities saw a rise in demand for their services between 2022 and 2023. Yet only 55% felt confident that they could meet their overheads.
What’s more, according to research by the Understanding Society, the value of charitable donations in the UK fell by more than half in 2022.
If you’d like to do your bit to help, here are six lovely ideas for supporting others over Christmas.
1. Volunteer for a good cause
Many charitable organisations, such as food banks, rely on volunteers to keep their services running throughout the year.
Yet Christmas can be an especially difficult time to recruit the necessary level of helping hands. While demand for some services increases, the number of available volunteers may fall as many people head home to spend time with their families.
If you have a few hours to spare, donating your time to a good cause over the festive period could be an excellent way to support a worthy cause when they need it most.
Try asking around locally or search online to find out if any organisations are looking for help. If your village or town has social media accounts, it’s worth checking them for posts about volunteering opportunities.
Alternatively, your local council’s website might include details of food banks and soup kitchens.
If you’d rather do your bit from the comfort of your own home, there is a growing number of remote volunteer roles, such as talking to vulnerable or lonely people online and providing telephone or text support for national charities.
2. Ask for charitable donations instead of presents
According to the GWP Group, each year the UK spends ÂŁ700 million on unwanted Christmas gifts, and around ÂŁ42 million of these are thrown away (most end up in landfill).
This year, instead of collecting more “stuff” you don’t really want or need – or worse, receiving items that end up straight in the bin – why not ask for charitable donations instead of presents?
This is a lovely way to support a cause that’s close to your heart.
It’s easy to let your friends and family know about your wishes. Pop a post on social media or send a Christmas card from your chosen charity to share the details of how to donate.
3. Host a festive fundraising event
What better time to host a fundraising event than during the festive party season?
Choose something you’ll enjoy and get the whole family involved.
Whether you’re happy to host at home or a local venue, there are plenty of fun ways to raise valuable funds for charity. You could ask people to make a donation if they want to attend your event or sell items to raise money.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Carol singing
- A gingerbread house-building competition
- Christmas bingo
- A silent auction of your family and friend’s unwanted items
- A ticket-only festive-themed dinner party
- A children’s disco.
Hosting a festive fundraiser is a great way to give back while also spreading some festive cheer.
4. Donate money or supplies
If you’re short on time, donating to your chosen charity is a simple way to give back over the festive season.
Cash donations are usually quick and easy to make online. Many organisations also welcome gifts of relevant supplies, such as books, food, toys, and clothing.
If you’ve lost a loved one, donating in their memory can be a meaningful way to support a good cause.
There are many different ways to do this. For example, you could set up a JustGiving page to share the story of the person you’ve lost and invite people to contribute to your fundraising efforts. Alternatively, many charities allow you to donate in a loved one’s name.
5. Think carefully about where you do your Christmas shopping
Gift-giving might be an important part of your Christmas festivities. Choosing your presents with care is a thoughtful and valuable way to support worthy causes.
Consider buying gifts from charity shops and charitable organisations. Alternatively, patronise retailers who have committed to supporting good causes at this time of year.
For example, a recent report by UK Fundraising has revealed that Lidl is donating ÂŁ125,000 to support festive events as part of its 2024 Christmas charitable drive, as well as setting up in-store toy banks.
In another example of festive generosity, John Lewis is supporting Action for Children by donating a portion of the proceeds from its range of “Care” jumpers, tote bags, and mugs, to the charity.
6. Help friends, family, and your local community
Remember, “Charity begins at home” – giving back isn’t just about supporting nationwide charities and local causes.
Helping your friends, family, and neighbours is a lovely way to do your bit this festive season.
This could mean taking an elderly member of the community shopping, offering company to a lonely neighbour, or babysitting for a loved one.
However you choose to give back this Christmas, a little can go a long way.
Get in touch
If you’d like to find out how to include charitable giving in your financial plan, we can help.
Please get in touch by emailing info@lloydosullivan.co.uk or call 020 8941 9779 to see how we can assist you.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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