How to make a difference to children who don't have much at Christmas

[Malleus123]

I would like to help children and families who may not have much this Christmas, especially with the cost of living as it is. I will be donating to local foodbanks, but any ideas about other things I could do would be welcome

I buy books on special offer throughout the year and donate them to a local charity who distribute them just before Christmas.

Thats a great idea....thankyou, wouldn't have thought of that!!

You can donate Toys…

Small shoe box type toys
Colouring sets
Arts & Crafts
Matchbox cars
Small dolls
Teddies
Books
Advent calendars
Special chocolate treats aimed at children

What about Christmas Jumpers, lots of schools have a day towards the end of term when pupils wear Christmas Jumpers, it must feel sad to be the odd one out.

Our local MP/councillors arrange a community Secret Santa where people are paired up with a local child (only get told their age, sex, interests etc) and buy a gift which they then distribute- maybe enquire whether there is similar local to you?

My children all got a Christmas hamper from banardos carers group it contained lots of Christmas treats, a present, colouring things, smellys. Everything was age appropriate and suitable for dietary requirements. It was all donated by locals.
My children's primary school discreetly distribute hampers to families in need. They deliver them to the home by teachers and are apparently done by some parents. They contain presents for each child, a family game, Christmas crackers, lots of Christmas food. Even Christmas plates and napkins.
They have been well appreciated.

Our local Sally Army has an annual appeal that starts in the autumn. They collect and distribute.

(Please don't do that stupid reverse Advent basket thing because you will not have organised anyone to receive it on the 25th Dec, will you, and dumping a container without notice on the doorstep of your local foodbank or Sally Army dept or whatever on Christmas morning really isn't a good idea, they will be busy themselves already)

Some great ideas and advice, thanks so much

Local radio station collect new gifts and distribute them to local kids who won’t get much. Starts in autumn and they will encourage gifts for different age groups. Teenagers for example are often forgotten. Might be something similar near you.

Try the local facebook groups for ideas

I am a governor at a school that is very socially deprived and we get hundreds of gifts each year from very kind people, every child gets a Christmas gift (and those who have last get more)

Maybe find a locally deprived school and donate directly?
You can find deprivation information here- put a school in and it tells you the percentage eligible for free school meals.

www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Search?SelectedTab=Establishments

I always donate for the book trust to buy a few books for children who won’t get much at Christmas.

www.booktrust.org.uk/support-us/give-ten-pounds-today-and-bring-joy-to-a-vulnerable-child-this-christmas/

If you're in London, the Met Police run a scheme every year for the public to donate Christmas presents for children and young people in need. It's called the Christmas Tree Appeal and will launch nearer the time.

You sign up, and are allocated a child (anonymously, you're told age bracket and sex) and you buy a pressie and drop it off at any receiving police station, unwrapped and with your reference number. Donations of wrapping paper and sellotape are also welcomed.

Remember that food banks have lead times (for sorting, and then clients may come in only once a week)

So if you're donating Advent calendars, get them there by mid-November, and Christmas treat foods and toiletries by about 10 Dec

Don't donate advent calendars to food banks. Advent calendars build excitement to the big day, and for some families Christmas will be just another day. Selection boxes are a good alternative.

When we were struggling I just wished other families would have been more reasonable at Christmas so poorer children didn't feel so different. The toy, book, new pj's, chocolate type thing. Also none of this linking what you get from Father Christmas with how good the child is! That combined with present donation if you can afford to give.

I made up lots of Christmas Eve boxes last year. With reindeer food, hot chocolate, Santa key, cookie mix etc and took them to the local food bank.

There’s a wonderful charity, Children Seen and Heard, that supports families with an incarcerated parent. They always appreciate any donations especially around the start of school and Christmas.

Thank you, I would never of thought of this – I do tend to put some advent calendars in November but I'll go for selection boxes this year instead

I spoke to a teacher a while ago and she said they always have a really high absence rate on Christmas jumper day as a lot of parents just can't afford them. Made me really sad. I've never known where to donate them though.

Yes, ours do this. We always donate something.

I’m not sure if this is useful to you op but the charity 52 lives receives nominations from S/W etc and helps one person/family every week, very worthwhile causes.

Women’s refuges often have Christmas wish lists for the women and children living there. The gifts on the list will be what the children living in the refuge have wished for.

What about crafts from places like baker and ross? They usually have sets for making xmas decorations etc? Quite reasonably priced so can be bought in bulk.

Brilliant suggestions here, thankyou. I would never gave thought of the advent calendar issue...I will remember that . The christmas jumpers to school, and christmas eve boxes for food back is inspired !! Thanks everyone