The festive season is upon us, and while many of us will be thinking about where we’re going to be allowed to spend Christmas day, there are some charities thinking about how they are going to help those in need – such as the elderly, disabled or those in low-income families who struggle to make ends meet. The Royal Voluntary service – one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities – conducted research and found that more than a million people will spend Christmas Day Volunteering.
Volunteering this Christmas Safely
You may be hoping to spend Christmas day at home with your family or visiting loved ones, depending on the rules, however, there’s always a need for volunteers before and after Christmas day. With over 168 thousand different charities across the UK, there’s bound to be something you can help with during this season of giving. Whatever your capabilities or skills, there’s definitely a charity out there that could use and fully appreciate your help, whatever little time you have over the holidays. This year, reaching out to help will look and be a little different to keep everyone safe from the ongoing pandemic. May it be digitally or over the phone or in the form of deliveries of food, essentials like daily living aids or toiletries and of course gifts.
Volunteering Options
If you have a talent or skill set that could be shared over Zoom, then you should get in touch with crisis.org.uk as this December they are looking for volunteers to deliver, relaxed, fun activities. Be it arts and crafts, games, dancing or juggling, these digital activities are targeted toward low-income families or those who are maybe in a wheelchair and struggle to get out and about. If you have a car and a little spare time on your hands, you could volunteer to be a driver, delivering all sorts to people in need. Elderly people may not be out and about as much at this time of year and with this pandemic continuing to disrupt the country, they could need your help this year more than ever.
There’s also the option to become a befriender, if you like a cup of tea and a chat then this will be ideal for you. You will be using your charisma and friendly skills to give people who will otherwise go a long time without talking to someone a call for a chat and to make sure they’re OK – for many individuals, this could be the highlight of their week!
Lastly, donating to your local food bank at this time of year could be a lifeline for someone desperately trying to make ends meet. Many food banks have online websites letting you know the items that they are short of and you can purchase many items very cheaply – this could stop an adult or child going hungry over Christmas. Many people like to add in special items this time of year to spread a little Christmas cheer!
