The run-up to Christmas is very different this year and volunteering for Christmas is no different. While there are still some volunteer roles that will require in-person volunteers it is likely that most volunteering will be done from home.
Out and about
There will be fewer opportunities to volunteer out and about this Christmas, but there are a couple of ways to volunteer:
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Help people enjoy a Christmas lunch by volunteering in Merton with the Doxa Deo Community Church. There are two hamper packing volunteering days on 21st and 22nd December.
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Volunteer selling Christmas cards for different charities by helping out with Cards for Good Causes.
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Donate food – you can donate food to the Street Champion near you, or Kingston foodbank. Check the list of items Kingston foodbank need at the moment.
Safety first – always following NHS and government guidance. Never volunteer when you are unwell or told to self-isolate, and do not volunteer outside of your home if you in a high-risk group.
From the comfort of your own home
If you’d prefer to do good from the sofa, here are some ways you can show goodwill to all this Christmas:
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Organise a virtual Christmas quiz to raise money for a good cause. Lots of big charities create quiz packs ready-made to be used – they are a great way of bringing together extended family over zoom.
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Order your Christmas cards from a charity’s website, for example, Cards for Good Causes or from a charity shop.
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Sign up to be a telephone buddy and commit to a half-hour friendly conversation with a lonely person into the new year.
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Join Sewing for Kingston and use your crafting skills to make important items – from scrubs for medical staff to face coverings to blankets for premature babies: “Our community are a font of knowledge and are always happy to share tips and expertise via our Facebook group, so I’d encourage anyone who’s a bit nervous about sewing or related crafts to join up and give it a go”.
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Become a Street Champion and be a hub for local donations of food.
Places to donate
It has been a very challenging year for everyone, and if you’re in the position to donate, there are many charities in Kingston who will be very grateful for whatever you can spare:
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As sadly big parties are likely to be out this year, if you are able, why not donate the money you would have spent to Kingston foodbank?
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Donate to Voices of Hope to help families enjoy the festive season with gift boxes full of presents and festive activities.
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If you want to learn more about organisations before you make your mind up as to which one should receive your money, you can find stories about the amazing things they have done over the past nine months.
Looking forward to the new year
Want to put 2020 behind you? You are not alone!
If you want to embrace the challenges and joys of 2021 then why not have a look for a volunteer role in the new year. You could improve your admin skills, befriend people who are isolated or get outdoors helping with gardening. Get in touch with us to find out more.