Simple and Meaningful Ways to Support Charities This Christmas

The Christmas season is often described as a time of giving — not just to our loved ones, but to those in our communities who need a little extra help. Whether you’re feeling generous or simply short on time, there are plenty of easy, impactful ways to support charities during the festive season. Here are some meaningful actions you can take to spread kindness and make a real difference this Christmas.

🎄 1. Round Up at the Checkout

One of the simplest ways to give: many shops and online platforms let you round your purchase up to the nearest pound and send the difference to charity. It’s quick, effortless, and adds up to significant support when lots of people participate.

🎁 2. Buy Charity Christmas Cards or Gifts

Choosing cards, gift wrap, calendars, or presents from charity shops or charity-led collections directly supports the causes you care about. It’s a festive way to give back while ticking items off your holiday list. Our friends at Challengers are offering a selection of cards with new designs for 2025 - plus 100% of proceeds go directly to Challengers' play schemes.

🛍️ 3. Shop Through Charity-Friendly Platforms

Some retailers offer programmes where they donate a percentage of your purchase to a charity of your choice, at no extra cost to you. It’s an easy way to help while doing your regular Christmas shopping.

🥫 4. Add an Extra Item to Your Weekly Shop

A simple can of soup, packet of pasta, or toiletries can make a big difference for food banks and community groups. Many supermarkets have donation bins near the exit for easy drop-off.

💝 5. Make a Donation — Big or Small

If you can, consider making a one-off or monthly donation to a charity you support. Even small amounts go a long way in funding winter support services, holiday meals, and emergency assistance. Some charities also offer match funding or similar over the Christmas period - our friends at PEAS are doing just that. This means your money goes even further! Challengers are also taking part in the Big Give 2025 so if you're planning to make a donation - make sure it's between the 2nd and 9th December.

🧸 6. Donate Goods You No Longer Need

The festive season is a great time to declutter. Pre-loved clothes, books, or toys can find a new home and generate income for charities through their shops. Habitat for Humanity's ReStore accepts a wide variety of items, including; home goods, building materials, furniture, homewares and other working appliances.

🤝 7. Volunteer a Little of Your Time

Food banks, shelters, charity shops, and community events often need extra help during the holidays. Even a few hours can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s Christmas. Your skills could be just what they're searching for - particularly if they run with a small team or limited resources.

🧁 8. Join Local Fundraising Activities

Bake sales, Christmas fairs, raffles, or school events are easy, fun ways to contribute without needing to organise anything yourself.

📣 9. Spread the Word

Supporting charities doesn’t always require money. Share a charity’s post on social media, talk about a cause you care about, or encourage others to get involved. Awareness can be a powerful tool.

🏘️ 10. Take Part in Local Community Appeals

Many communities organise toy drives, warm clothing collections, and festive food hampers. These local initiatives rely on small acts of generosity from neighbours — and they often have an immediate impact.

🙌 11. Say “Yes” to Gift Aid (UK Only)

If you’re donating in the UK, ticking the Gift Aid box boosts your donation by 25% at no extra cost. It’s one of the easiest ways to increase your impact with a single checkmark.

🎁 12. Give in Someone’s Honour

If you’re stuck for gift ideas, consider donating to a charity in someone else’s name. It’s thoughtful, meaningful, and helps spread the spirit of giving even further.

Make Kindness Your Tradition

Supporting charities at Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you donate a few pounds, give your time, or simply share a cause close to your heart, every act of kindness helps brighten the season for someone else.