The gift that keeps on giving (Picture: Getty/PA/Facebook/Metro)
Christmas is only a few days away, but not everyone will be celebrating with their family and a festive dinner on the table.
But helping a stranger could be the most satisfying Christmas gift you can give this year.
It’s also quick and simple to do, so won’t add to the never-ending list of Christmas chores to complete before the big day.
From donating to charities to supporting victims of domestic violence, this is how you can help over the festive period.
Support domestic violence victims
£25 can buy a mum and a child a Christmas dinner (Picture: Getty/iStockphoto)
Buy a gift for a woman and their children who have fled domestic violence – often leaving with nothing.
For £15, a child receives a Christmas parcel, £25 buys a mum and her children Christmas dinner, while a £45 ‘baby sleep’ parcel of cot, mattress and protector can ensure mother and baby sleep safely in a refuge.
You can donate, via donate.refuge.org.uk.
Help sick children spend time with their family
Help children at Great Ormond Street Hospital (Picture: PA)
You can help sick children at Great Ormond Street Hospital get home at Christmas and make it possible for those who can’t to have their families by their side with a donation. Just £30 can pay for a parent to stay overnight in family accommodation.
Fund vet care for a homeless person’s dog
Help animals in need (Picture: Facebook)
Homelessness is on the increase and a growing number of people on the streets have dogs. For many, accessing veterinary care can be difficult, which is where registered charities like StreetVet come in – on hand to provide care and support for animals in need.
Make donations or choose from its Amazon wishlist via wishlist.streetvet.co.uk.
Answer the calls of children in need
The NSPCC is expecting a call every 25 seconds over Christmas (Picture: Supplied)
The NSPCC’s Childline is the only UK service open 24/7 throughout Christmas for children to talk about anything that’s worrying them – from anxiety to abuse. This year, Childline is expecting a call every 25 seconds and by donating whatever you can, you can help ensure their calls are answered.
You can donate, via nspcc.org.uk.
Donation for male mental wellbeing
Christmas can be a hard time for male mental health (Picture: Getty)
The stats around male mental health make sobering reading – suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 and Christmas can be very hard. Charity Mind offers essential support – £20 can fund online peer-to-peer support networks and £40 helps pay for outreach projects.
You can donate, via mind.org.uk.
Give the gift of warmth to the displaced and refugees
Winter wear can go a long way to someone in need (Picture: Supplied)
Choose Love’s online store allows shoppers to send items to people in desperate need this Christmas, in either your name or on behalf of someone else. Shop by bundle (‘winter warmth’, ‘hot food’, ‘heating fuel’, ‘bundle of love’) or by individual product (a child’s coat, for instance, is just £10). Make a difference to the life of a refugee or displaced person this winter.
You can donate, via choose.love.
MORE : DIY guide: How to make your own Christmas gifts
MORE : Why gift cards are not the best last-minute Christmas present option
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Helping a stranger could be the most satisfying Christmas gift you can give this year.
