How to give back this Christmas

The holiday season can seem like a time for relentless consumerism. To offset any feelings of guilt that arise following one too many roast potatoes, ensure that the time for giving is one of reciprocity.

In Bristol, there are many ways to contribute and ensure that the best Christmas is had by all. Make a difference and try one of the options below.

Make your Christmas tree count
Aid Box Community’s Refutree campaign is running until December 22, meaning that you can buy the tree your living room needs while helping to support refugees in the city.

The humanitarian charity seeks to provide material and emotional support to refugees and people seeking asylum in Bristol. Funds raised through the purchase of Christmas trees go towards supplying items for their free shop which offers judgement-free essential items, including clothes, food and hygiene items. Trees are available for purchase from their physical store, 174b Cheltenham Road, Montpelier, or purchased online at aidboxcommunity.co.uk/refutrees.

Donate what you don’t need
When surrounded by the wreckage of torn wrapping paper and yet another stash of trinkets that will not fit in your house, re-evaluate which of your belongings you need and which are just bogging you down. The old adage holds true: one man’s trash truly can be another’s treasure.

Bristol is ripe with charity shops in need of donations. The resale of that coat that has been clogging up the back of your wardrobe can transform clutter into the money charities need to continue their valuable work. While you’re at it, why not consider doing some of your Christmas shopping at charity shops? Give something unique a second lease of life and reduce waste.

Tackle loneliness
Christmas can be a particularly gruelling time for those living alone. If you know somebody who doesn’t have family joining them for the festive period, it is worth reaching out to include them in your plans. An extra plate at your table could ease someone’s anxiety, not to mention being a great way to invite someone else’s seasonal traditions into the fold.

Campaign to End Loneliness’s Be More Us initiative states that over half of the adults in this country feel that it’s been a long time since they made a new friend. ‘Tis the season for goodwill — take a chance and speak to someone new who will appreciate the company.

Volunteers at East Bristol Food Bank packing supplies for people struggling to buy food – photo by Ellie Pipe

Help combat food poverty
South and East Bristol Foodbank need donations over the Christmas period. These can be dropped off in the donation bins featured in many of Bristol’s supermarkets, with special attention paid to Christmas table trimmings. If you’re picking up the parsnips and ham for your own table and can afford to double up, do so.

Find a volunteering opportunity
Can Do Bristol collate opportunities to volunteer across the city, allowing you to filter by skills and areas of interest. If you find yourself at a loose end for a couple of hours a week this holiday period and are yet unsure of quite where you would fit in as a volunteer the database available here can help. Not only will you be giving back to your community, but you gain the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

Main photo courtesy of Aid Box Community 

Read more: Square Food Foundation marks ten year anniversary with major fundraising drive 

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