10 brilliant ways to give back this Christmas
A mystery Secret Santa has hit the news after leaving presents all over the Leicestershire village of Kegworth for stunned residents to stumble across. Labelled as 'random acts of kindness,' the gifts have gone down well with villagers, and serve as a festive reminder that there's nothing quite like the warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing you've lifted someone's spirits— especially at Christmas.
From a simple pair of socks to a letter from Santa, here's our list of small, meaningful ways you can spread some serious festive cheer this Christmas.
Let an older person enjoy a new adventure
Do you know a pensioner with a bucket list that would put Bear Grylls to shame? The latest #NoMoreSlippers campaign from Red Letter Days is all about challenging the idea that the over-65s are happy to put their adventurous days behind them. All you need to do is enter online here before 15 December, with the name of your nominee and the experience that would make all their Christmas wishes come true. Skydiving grannies need apply.
Fill a child’s Christmas stocking
Thanks to the Children’s Society, it’s easy to donate a gift that will reach a child who desperately needs it. From arts and crafts kits, to vouchers and sports sessions, the Give Joy selection is a carefully curated list of presents that will make a real difference to children in need in London and Birmingham.
Foster a dog
You can help change an unwanted dog’s life by getting involved in the Dogs’ Trust fostering scheme. Some dogs just aren’t cut out for kennels and the Dogs Trust is always on the lookout for a homely environment that will help them settle before a forever home is found. Find more details here.
Organise a letter from Santa
Your kids will go nuts when a letter from the big man arrives on their doormat and thanks to the NSPCC, you can now make it happen while doing some good, too. You simply upload some details about your children including their name, age and hobbies and make a suggested donation of £5 per letter. Magic.
Give the gift of socks
During the cold winter months, it can take just 30 minutes for frostbite to take hold. A simple pair of socks can make a small but important difference to the life of someone living on the streets, helping them avoid blisters, infections and even trench foot. Govia Thameslink Railway has joined forces with various homeless charities to create drop-off points at various stations across the country for their Great Sock Appeal on 5 December.
Join the Telegraph Christmas Appeal
This Christmas, the Telegraph is supporting three charities – Leukaemia Care, Wooden Spoon and The Silver Line. Sunday 1st December is the most important day of our annual appeal as it's phone-in day, when we invite you, our generous readers, to call in and speak to Telegraph writers and editors, and pledge a donation to one or all of our charities. All you have to do is call our special number: 0800 117 118.
Treat someone to Christmas dinner
For £28.87, you can buy someone a Christmas dinner in a warm, safe environment thanks to an army of 10,000 volunteers who will be running Crisis centres this year. A lifeline for anyone in the throes of homelessness, these centres also provide clothing, support and advice.
Buy a book for a vulnerable child
Through their Letterbox Club, the Book Trust makes sure vulnerable children receive a package of books at Christmas time, letting their imaginations run wild. A donation of £10 can help them reach more than 12,000 kids.
Alternatively, you can support children's love of stories by buying someone a word from the Ministry of Stories. The perfect quirky gift, you can browse the list of available words and receive a certificate of ownership. The £10 goes towards supporting creativity and writing workshops in east London.
Shop charitably
Raiding charity shops for pre-loved gifts is a good idea at any time of the year but at Christmas, lots of charities including Macmillan, Oxfam and Save the Children offer new seasonal cards, wrapping and gifts, with the profits going straight back to their good causes.
Join the Santa Dash
Fancy joining an army of Santas dashing through a south London park? 2019’s Santa Dash is happening on 8 December in Brockwell Park, with all the money raised going towards Great Ormond Street Hospital. There’s a 5k or 10k route to choose between and finishers will be met with a mulled drink and mince pies.
Use our Editors' Interactive Gift Finder to find more gifts that give back.
