LSE - Small Logo
LSE - Small Logo

Bethan Wilson

November 13th, 2020

Christmas Volunteering 🎄

2 comments | 20 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Bethan Wilson

November 13th, 2020

Christmas Volunteering 🎄

2 comments | 20 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Yes you read that right, we’re getting ready for volunteering over the Christmas period here! Whilst the UK has entered Lockdown 2.0, we’ve got our sights on the upcoming festive season and all the trimmings that come with it, even if it will be a smaller celebration this year. Currently, those who cannot continue their volunteering role from home, are still allowed to travel for volunteering, but if you’re confused or unsure check out our blog about volunteering during this second lockdown.

Christmas is guaranteed to be unlike any other Noel we’ve had before, but for many the current COVID-19 pandemic will exacerbate existing issues surrounding the festive season. So the work that charities are doing is even more important than before as financial hardship and health issues are ever more prevalent. Of course, volunteering over the winter will also look different, so we’ve gathered some opportunities that are already out there and we’ll keep it updated!

Crisis This Christmas

Crisis, a national homelessness charity, support thousands of people who are homeless around Christmas every year through dinners, workshops and access to multiple free services. However, with social distancing now in place they are doing things a little differently this year. Crisis will recruit a smaller group of volunteers this year who are very experienced with Crisis at Christmas and they will be individually invited (if you have experience with these roles, check your inbox)!

Not experienced? Don’t worry, they’ve got lots of other ways you can support them this Christmas. They’re accepting donations which in turn could provide someone essential food or a place to stay over Christmas. Crisis have also put together a free Christmas fundraising pack, to jazz up your fundraising this year. The charity is also looking for ‘Gifts in Kind‘ which is where you can buy/send items on their Christmas wish list!

Christmas Hamper Delivery Volunteer

Our fantastic charity partner, Coin Street, are on the look out for Christmas Elves to help pack and deliver hampers to their most vulnerable older residents. If you’re available to volunteer between the 9-11 December or 14-17 December, then why not spread the joy this Christmas. Check out the opportunity on CareerHub which expires on 14 December.

Age UK Christmas Meals Delivery

Age UK Westminster’s Christmas Day Lunch Project is a yearly project to make Christmas Day a special and enjoyable time for elderly residents who may be suffering from loneliness and isolation. This intergenerational project has been running for over 20 years and is the only project of its kind in the City of Westminster. They are looking for volunteers to deliver Christmas Day lunch to residents, find out more here.

Community of Sant’Egidio London

The Community of Sant’Egidio London is a charitable trust that works with vulnerable members of our community in London, branching from a wider lay Catholic Association based in Italy. They work with the elderly and homeless population, offering services and friendship for many. They are looking for various volunteers including Christmas street singers, food prepping teams and a Christmas photographer! Check out their volunteering roles and apply on their website.

FoodCycle

Whilst they can no longer host their usual Christmas meals, FoodCycle have adapted to the current times by setting up a Check in and Chat scheme to reduce isolation with their community members. It’s on a casual basis and can easily brighten up someone’s day!

There’s also lots of ways you can volunteer online over the winter holidays, so check out our blog about virtual volunteering and scroll to the bottom to browse the opportunities! Are you a charity with a Christmas volunteering role? Get in touch with us and we’ll add you to the blog.

Share

About the author

Bethan Wilson

Beth’s main responsibilities are working with a fantastic team of Student Volunteering Ambassadors and coordinating the centre’s marketing and communications. As an LSE alumni, Beth strives to put the LSE student experience at the heart of everything the Volunteer Centre does.

Posted In: Arts | Charity | COVID-19 | Creative arts, design and crafts | Healthcare and wellbeing | NGO | Volunteer Centre

2 Comments

Bad Behavior has blocked 1571 access attempts in the last 7 days.