We know, we said the C-word and it is only September. But, the simple fact is, we will blink and Christmas will be here! Now is the time of the year where we have to start planning what is happening so that we are prepared. Here are some ways that we can do a bit more this Christmas to help others as well as celebrating with friends and family.

Food banks

An unfortunate truth is that many people rely on food banks to feed their families. Food banks are not possible without donations from people. If you can, try and donate some food to your local food bank to help people get through the Christmas season. It is always great to see Christmas food being added, but don’t add it too early. People cannot store this stuff away for Christmas, so if you start dropping tins of cranberry sauce in now, they will have to eat it now. Try and donate as regular food as you can and during December you change to Christmas food.

Christmas cards

There has been some debate over Christmas cards and if people should be sending cards to each other. They waste paper, some are not recycled. However, there can be no denying that getting a Christmas card gives you a nice feeling. With this in mind, maybe you should send Charity Greeting Cards to people during the Christmas period. Older people really like getting a card in the post. In fact, most people like to get cards in the post instead of bills for a change. Posting Christmas cards to lots of people can be pricey so save that for a select few people who will really appreciate getting a card in the post.

Clear out to charity

If you have discovered that there is a lot of clutter around your home, you should ask yourself if you really need it. If you don’t, it should be boxed up and sent to a charity shop. Charity shops rely on donations, just like food banks. The difference is that people search charity shops for those one-off items that they know their friends and family will love. And every sale that a charity shop makes goes to a good cause. Just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean that someone else won’t. 

Donate your time

It is the season of giving, almost. But, there is no reason why you can’t give your time to charity now. Charities need volunteers to help them raise money and support the work that they are doing. For example, cancer charities need volunteers to run the shops and hold the buckets so that the scientists can get their funding. Even food banks need people to help hand out the food. Check out your local charities and see how you can donate your time to help them help others.

There are many other ways that you can donate yourself this year to help make the world a better place. And don’t forget, acts of charity are not just for Christmas but can be all year round.

TDP x