How to give back this Christmas season, from donating turkey leftovers to volunteering

Christmas is a time of giving. However, in the flurry of gift buying, ordering the turkey and decorating our trees at home, it’s easy to forget to extend good will to the wider community.

Before you know it, the season’s passed and you’re heading into the new year with a hangover and a guilty conscience.

But it’s easy to break the cycle this year, thanks to plenty of initiatives nationwide that provide ample opportunity to give back. From volunteering at food kitchens to donating your Christmas dinner leftovers, it’s possible for everyone to do their bit.

Volunteer at a Crisis shelter

Crisis is looking for volunteers at various locations across the country this December, So, you live in Birmingham, Edinburgh, South Wales, London, Coventry or Newcastle, you can sign up to help.

Donate your leftover food

Download the Olio app to share your meals throughout festive season with others in your area who might be delighted to enjoy your leftovers. Just download the Olio app, take a picture of your food and arrange a pick-up.

Fund someone’s Christmas dinner

The Salvation Army website provides several options for donating to others this Christmas. You can fund everything from a box of food and gifts for a family to a dinner and companionship for 20 elderly people.

Help our furry friends

You can also donate supplies for animals on the RSPCA website as part of their winter appeal, including toys, food and veterinary treatment.

Buy gifts from a charity wish list

Online wish lists allow you to donate gifts to those less fortunate or those who may not be able to afford them this year.

Head to the Haven House website to choose a gift for a child in a hospice, while the Refuge gift list allows you to buy gifts for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Use your phone

Text BELL to 70007 to give £3 towards specialist research for children suffering from cancer at Children with Cancer UK.

Alternatively, you can donate £10 to Kids Out, a charity for disadvantaged children, by texting KOUT16 £10 to 70070. The company will then buy a present on your behalf for a child in a refuge.

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