Volunteering on Christmas Day can be rewarding. Image: Kampus Productions/Pexels
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Christmas, the saying goes, is the season of giving. And beyond wrapping gifts in paper, you can also give your time and effort by volunteering on Christmas Day.
It’s a chance to help make the day a bit better for those who might struggle.
Perhaps you’ll be spending the day on your own, too. Or it’s just a noble reason to slip off before the Monopoly turns into a war.
Either way, here’s our guide to volunteering on Christmas Day.
Crisis at Christmas
In 2021, over 1,800 volunteers got involved with Crisis at Christmas to provide hot meals and support to people experiencing homelessness. Operating on Christmas Day and on the days either side, Crisis hubs allow people to come in and benefit from conversation and companionship as well as food. Guests are also introduced to longer-term services in an attempt to get them off the streets for good.
Many opportunities for volunteering on Christmas Day near you might not be advertised online. But being proactive can help. Get in touch with your local night shelter or church to see if they need volunteers on Christmas Day.
For example, many churches host Christmas lunches for homeless and vulnerable or elderly people.
Who knows, it might even turn into longer-term volunteering for you.
The Salvation Army has a range of opportunities available, including Christmas present packing and delivery. However, what is on offer will vary on a local level – and so depends on each local church.
Opportunities are available early, a Salvation Army spokesperson said, adding: “The Salvation Army’s local churches make provision for Christmas well in advance.
Opportunities are listed at this link, while charity shop volunteering opportunities can be found at this link, or by visiting a shop and speaking to the staff or volunteers.
And aside from Christmas Day itself, the Salvation Army has a range of volunteering activities on offer throughout the festive period.
“Our community charity shops are particularly busy in the run up to Christmas,” the spokesperson added.
“Other voluntary roles include cooks and caterers, befrienders, and debt advisers. You can also volunteer at our foodbanks, lunch clubs, community cafés or playgroups, or volunteer to support The Salvation Army’s Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Work, for example as a chaperone, driver or mentor. To find out more email ATMSVolunteering@salvationarmy.org.uk.
“You could also be a ‘Sally Army Star’ and fundraise to help isolated, desperate or hungry people this Christmas. Doing anything from festive coffee mornings and Christmassy office outfits to running, crafting and carolling. To download our free fundraising pack, go to Be a Star campaign.”
Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service also runs on Christmas Day – but volunteers need to commit to a year of volunteering and call once a week. Demand for the service is rising and Age UK says it needs volunteers “more than ever before”. To sign up go to friendship.ageuk.org.uk
But more generally, as you’d expect, Age UK has a host of volunteering opportunities across the Christmas period, including volunteering in an Age UK shop or volunteering for The Silver Line Helpline, a free and confidential 24-hour helpline for over-55s who feel lonely and isolated. This service is also open on Christmas Day.
Rotary Christmas Day
In London, the Wandsworth Rotary Club holds an annual Christmas Day event for the elderly in the area. They’re looking for bus escorts to take guests to and from the event.
You can sign up at https://rotarychristmasday.org/, and your local rotary club may also have similar opportunities if you contact them directly.
Urgent action is needed to prevent even more people being pushed into homelessness. A secure home is the first step in addressing the cruel cycle of poverty to ensure people can fulfil their potential. Join us to keep people in their homes.
