NEWS
EVENTS
Volunteering for an alternative Christmas
Wednesday 24th October 2012 | Osh
Why not have an alternative Christmas this year and volunteer? A few days out of 365 is a tiny amount of time to give, and helping others will bring a hell of a lot more meaning and reward to your festive season than stuffing your face and drinking like a fish. You’ll not regret it in the New Year.
If you’re curious, now is the time to find out what opportunities are available in your area. Here are some ideas of what you could do to really make a difference this year...
Comfort the Homelessness:
If you are homeless or living in hostel accommodation, Christmas can be a lonely and depressing time. Crisis at Christmas provide centres across London between 23 and 30 December that offer vital companionship, hot meals and warmth, and a wide range of essential services that homeless people often miss out on. This year, they expect nearly 3,000 guests to visit their ten centres across London. The aim is that for many this could be the first step towards leaving homelessness for good. But more than 8,000 volunteers are needed to make it happen, from those willing to 'muck in' and help out anywhere to people with particular skills like dentists, hairdressers, lorry drivers and performers.
The centres are open from 22-30 December. Volunteers are asked to sign up to a minimum of two shifts on two separate days and are welcome to apply for more should they wish. To find out more and to apply visit the Crisis website or telephone 0300 636 1000.
Help a Child:
Operation Christmas Child is a campaign run by Samaritans' Purse. Each year, thousands of people donate gift shoeboxes that are distributed to children all over the world. Volunteers help by working in the warehouses checking the shoeboxes and getting them ready for despatch. This year, OCC is running across some 100 sites in the UK.
The OCC campaign needs volunteers at around 100 premises and warehouses across the UK to drive vans (HGV not required), fundraise, check shoeboxes, pack cartons and load lorries, from the second week in November until mid December. A volunteer can give as much or as little time as they wish.
You can apply to volunteer online at Operation Christmas Child. You can also make your own shoebox for a child and drop it off at your nearest drop off point. Visit the website to find out how to pack your shoebox.
Pack Christmas Hampers:
Trussell Trust foodbanks provide emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK. There are currently 250 Trussell Trust foodbanks, with three opening each week to meet a growing need. You can volunteer to help foodbanks to pack Christmas hampers to go out to local families in crisis this Christmas. You may also be able to help with deliveries to families or collections for Christmas food in your local area.
You can volunteer for anything from a one-off packing session for an hour or two to a day’s collection at a local supermarket or a regular slot at a foodbank each week. Get in touch with your local foodbank and ask about volunteering, find your nearest foodbank at The Trussell Trust.
