The 12 Charities That Need Your Help This Christmas
At Christmas time, charity is more important than ever and there are so many who are looking for donations and support to change people's lives
Maxi’s Mates Rescue & Rehoming Centre
Based: Teesside.
What they do: For more than 10 years this charity has helped to rescue and re-home stray dogs in the area.
How to help: The charity is always in need of volunteers who can help with everything from walking the dogs to helping with fundraising efforts. As the cold weather creeps in they are currently raising money for their Winter Warmth campaign to supply their kennels with new heaters – details on how to donate can be found online.
maxismates.org.uk
Norah's North Pole
Based: Sunderland.
What they do: Established in memory of their grandmother, at Norah’s North Pole Christmas gifts are collected throughout winter to fill Santa sacks which are then delivered to children throughout the North East who might otherwise go without on Christmas morning.
How to help: The organisation has an Amazon Wishlist which you can purchase from and items will be sent directly to Norah’s North Pole headquarters, and there is also a GoFundMe page for donations. For in-person gift donations, find a list of secure drop-off locations on their website.
norahsnorthpole.co.uk
Teesside at Christmas
Based: Teesside.
What they do: Support disadvantaged members of the community at Christmas with filled shoebox donations containing everything from new pyjamas to toys, stationery supplies and sweets.
How to help: If you register to donate on their website you will be shown which age bracket is most in need of donations and can tailor your shoebox to this. The main drop off day is on 7th December at St Hilda’s, Redcar.
teessideatchristmas.co.uk
The People's Kitchen
Based: Newcastle.
What they do: The People’s Kitchen provides a safe haven for members of the community who have fallen on hard times, serving hot, nutritious meals, handing out clothing packages, toiletries, furniture, bedding and lending a friendly ear.
How to help: They are always in need of volunteers and only ask that you commit to the same four-hour session per week on a long-term basis. Can’t commit? They also take donations via text, a JustGiving page, an Amazon Wishlist and in-person food donations.
peopleskitchen.co.uk
Whitley Bay Big Local
Based: Whitley Bay.
What they do: This community-run charity aims to support locals in whatever way they need, whether it’s combatting loneliness, helping people to make ends meet, or hosting activities to improve mental health.
How to help: Donations are an integral part of helping the charity to maintain their café, affordable supermarket and community activities. There is also the option to become a regular, monthly supporter.
whitleybaybiglocal.org
Feeding Families
Based: Gateshead.
What they do: Operating for eight years, this charity supports individuals in the North East coping with food insecurity by providing emergency food boxes which can feed families for up to three days at a time. They also offer Welcome Home boxes for those discharged from hospital who are unable to get to the shops.
How to help: The charity relies on a constant stream of food into the packing centres, and are happy to provide a collection box for your workplace, school or estate as well as a list of their most-needed food items.
feedingfamilies.org.uk
Homeless Street Angels
Based: Leeds
What they do: Helping to get people off the streets, the award-winning Homeless Street Angels provide outreach every Thursday, handing out more than 100 meals a week as well as clothes and toiletries to help those sleeping on the streets get into employment and accommodation. They also continue to offer support to people once they are rehoused to ensure they stay off the streets.
How to help: Donations can be made on their website, either in money or a Greggs gift card. They also welcome fundraisers, and have a list of ideas online to get you started.
homelessstreetangels.co.uk
Spirit of Christmas
Based: Selby
What they do: This family support charity run a series of projects aimed at fostering Christmas spirit and improving social skills. Their banana box toy project and toy bank provide educational toys to disadvantaged children, their party brings people together and their LEGO-themed coffee mornings encourage community participation.
How to help: The charity rely on toy donations, both new and pre-loved, and have drop-off points in Selby and Doncaster. Funds are also important – just £2 can make a difference, allowing them to purchase stationery sets to support children’s schoolwork. They’re always looking for new volunteers, too.
spiritofchristmas.org.uk
Candlelighters
Based: Leeds
What they do: Bringing light to those affected by childhood cancer, Candlelighters offer a range of support services at their base The Square, as well as on the wards at Leeds Children’s Hospital. Their Candlelighters Cottage provides a place to stay for families who may be travelling for treatment and they also provide day trips to allow children to enjoy their childhoods, as well as funding vital cancer research.
How to help: There are numerous ways to help, including regular or will gifts, volunteering and fundraising individually, as part of an event or even in the workplace.
candlelighters.org.uk
Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Based: Yorkshirewide
What they do: Flying seven days a week, 365 days a year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters provide urgent care and treatment at the scene of an accident before transporting injured individuals to hospital. It’s a common misconception that they are NHS funded – they are actually an independent charity who need your help.
How to help: As well as taking donations, their Christmas shop sells charity cards, calendars and even candles, plus a range of gifts that’ll change more than one life this year.
yorkshireairambulance.org.uk
Yorkshire Children’s Trust
Based: Halifax
What they do: Founded by two sets of parents after their daughters were diagnosed with leukaemia, this charity aim to ease the emotional and financial burdens of serious illnesses. They offer grants, counselling, therapies and respite short breaks.
How to help: Their Christmas appeal aims to provide children in hospitals across Yorkshire with gifts this year – you can help by donating new, unopened toys and gifts to a maximum value of £15.
yctrust.uk
Santa Squad
Based: Hull
What they do: Started by four friends all aged 10 or under, Santa Squad aim to make sure every child in Hull receives a gift at Christmas. They contact local schools to identify children in need, before collecting and distributing gifts to spread Christmas joy.
How to help: Buy a gift to be delivered from their Amazon Wishlist, or deliver one at one of their drop-off points.
santasquad.org.uk
