There’s no better feeling then seeing the smile on someone’s face after they open the present you have taken the time and effort to buy them. Those moments are what Christmas is all about, and here at Harron Homes, we love to put a smile on people’s faces.
With that in mind, we have joined up with Hallam FM, and we are delighted to be supporting the nationwide appeal known as ‘Mission Christmas’. This fantastic cause encourages people to buy an extra Christmas gift that can then be given to the region’s vulnerable and deprived children who are at risk of waking up to nothing on Christmas Day.
With Christmas right around the corner, we have put together some ideas on how you can give something to those less fortunate and add sparkle to someone’s festive period.
Give a child in care a book
Christmas can be a particularly tough time for children in care. So, this year, the Book Trust wants to send all 9,700 of them a book gift.
For many of these children that book will be the first time they receive anything through the post. And for some of them the gift will be the first book they have owned; something they can take with them.
£10 covers the cost of sending one child one book.
Buy a gift for someone escaping abuse
Every year the Refuge charity runs a gift list appeal, to ensure that every woman and child in its services can receive a present at Christmas.
For many women and children fleeing domestic violence, the idea of not being home for Christmas can be upsetting and many have had to run with little more than the clothes on their backs.
You can browse the list and choose a gift for a woman, ranging from gloves to lipstick to perfume, or for a child, including a drum kit, a woolly hat or a train set.
Refuge needs to raise at least £41,000 to buy enough presents for its clients and if it receives more as part of its list then it will put donations towards its general running costs.
Donate treats to a food bank
The queues at the country’s food banks don’t drop off at this time of year, and while many of us will be preparing for a relaxing festive period at home, the work at food banks will be increasing.
If you can spare any time to help out, whether that is volunteering, or delivering some much-needed hot food, this small act could make someone’s Christmas that little bit more special.