Give to Others in Kent this Christmas

** This blog has been updated in 2018 

Christmas is a time of giving especially to those who need it more than us. You can make a donation, give each other charity gifts or consider volunteering. It’s the time of year where we all come together and think of people other than ourselves.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started but go out there and find a way to give that suits you. Some of these are wonderful exercises to carry out with your class to show them the importance of giving to those less fortunate.

1) Community Christmas

Don’t let the older people in your community spend Christmas alone. Organise an event where people can join in or volunteer at an existing event. 

2) Host UK

Invite an international student studying in the UK to Christmas so they can experience a real Christmas with a friendly family. 

3) The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

Until mid-December, many Salvation Army centres across the UK will be running a Christmas Present Appeal. Donate new unwrapped toys and gifts for children, families, older people and homeless people in need this Christmas.

4) Food Banks

Christmas is a key time to donate or volunteer at food banks. Search for a local one near you.

Great article on 6 unexpected things food banks need.

Nourish Community Food Bank - Tunbridge Wells

Fare Share - Ashford 

Canterbury Food Bank 

Restoring Hands – Maidstone

The Trussell Trust - various locations

Family Food Bank - various locations

5) Santa Fun Runs

Mixing Christmas spirit with exercise - what could be better! Join other giving Santas in a Santa Fun Run to raise money for charity.

There are more ways to get involved and it’s not just about Christmas. You can use this as an opportunity to start volunteering long term.

Christmas is not just about giving gifts, giving your time is a lovely way to share the festive spirit. If you do decide to give a gift to a colleague, your students or perhaps your considering giving a gift to your child's teacher, then this article explores the perils of Christmas giving and how you can avoid these.