Frequently Asked Questions
Gift donations – London and Herts
Do you accept financial donations if I don’t have time to shop/don’t live locally?
We do and really appreciate all donations! Please use our donate page here
As a charitable project we’re able to purchase items at a discounted rate so your money can support more people.
If I provide a financial donation, what will happen with it?
All money donated will be used to support people in care with no loved ones by providing a gift at Christmas. If you would like to know what has been purchased with your donation please contact us.
How can I get my gift donations to you?
These can be dropped into the Croxley Green Parish Council offices or purchased directly from our Amazon Wishlist.
When do you need the gifts by? To allow for time to drop off gifts to Croxley Green Parish Council we’d appreciate any donations by 1st December.
Do I need to wrap the presents or leave unwrapped?
Unwrapped would be great so we can see what’s inside and ensure your gift goes to a suitable home
What are the gifts that the residents seem to like the most?
The most popular gifts people have donated include: socks, blankets, scarves, slippers, novelty Christmas items, confectionery, toiletries, puzzles, calendars, ornaments, books, colouring books
Do you only take new items?
Yes, sadly we are unable to donate second hand presents for hygiene reasons. This doesn’t include re-gifting new items which is encouraged.
What is the typical value of the gifts people give?
Gifts can be anywhere from an item found in a pound shop to a more luxurious gift set around £15. It’s the thought that counts with something for the residents to open on Christmas day.
What is the usual ratio of male to female residents/thus the gifts you need?
We find that many of our recipients are female due to the longer average life expectancy. This is usually around 70% female to 30% male. Unisex gifts are always appreciated as they can be given to any resident.
What do the men usually like?
We find that male residents usually like confectionary, socks, puzzles and even the occasional novelty tie.
Is there anything that you absolutely do not want us to give?
Sadly we struggle to find homes for alcohol and candles. Clothing is also difficult to home but is always well received by residents.
Can I donate wrapping paper, tape, etc.?
Yes please! We don’t receive many wrapping donations and an extra roll or two goes a very long way.
Present wrapping – London and Herts
When and where will you be wrapping presents?
Wrapping will still take place in Christmas 2021 but will be limited due to Covid. A big thank you to our partner Small Acts of Kindness who will be supporting us with present wrapping. More information can be found here.
Do I have to stay for the whole time?
The session will be very short this year, therefore we ask attendees to stay for the entire session
Will I need to bring anything with me?
There’s no need to bring anything, just yourself. We’ll provide all the wrapping supplies and presents, but we really appreciate it when volunteers bring a present along and some have even been extra kind and donated a role of cello tape or wrapping paper too.
Are children allowed?
Yes, we love children and have many children at our wrapping parties! Because we’ll be using scissors we ask for children to be supervised at all times and recommend bringing child friendly scissors if needed.
Are pets allowed?
Sadly pets are not allowed at the present wrapping sessions due to hall restrictions and lots of fun presents to play with!
Dropping off gift donations
I’d like to help drop off presents, how do I get involved?
Brilliant! We’d love your help. Please register your interest here and we’ll match you to a nearby care home!
How many care homes would I need to visit?
You can visit as many care homes as you’d like but we really appreciate people taking the time to visit one care home. Please state how many you’d be happy to visit when you register to support.
Can I bring my child or pet?
Children are normally always welcome in care homes under supervision and the residents love to see children! Some care homes don’t allow pets so please specify you’d like to bring children and/or pets when registering to support and we’ll do our best to match you to an appropriate care home.
When can I collect the gifts I need to give out?
Ideally we’d love the gifts collected at the present wrapping sessions. If you can’t make these dates please mention this when you register to support and we’ll arrange a separate collection where possible.
Care Homes
How can I register my care home to receive gifts?
Please register your care home here and we’ll do our best to support you. We are limited to care homes that our volunteers are happy to drop gifts to which is usually Hertfordshire and North West London.
Is there any cost to the care home?
There is no cost to the care home. All presents are donated and we rely solely on our very kind volunteers.
Do I need to collect the presents?
Part of the experience for residents is to have a visitor give the presents to them. We’ll arrange someone to drop the presents to your home. We understand if it’s not possible for volunteers to visit inside your home due to Covid. Please share these restrictions with our volunteer when they get in touch.
Running a local gift donation
Can I organize something in my own area? If so, do you have any tips?
We would love you to run something in your area and are constantly looking to spread the festive cheer. You can find more advice on this page but please make sure you contact us for extra support.
About Violet’s Gift
Are you a registered charity?
We are currently a charitable project but not a registered charity due the amount of administration required for a project that runs one month of the year and receives a very small amount of financial donations. However, we partner with a registered charity, Small Acts of Kindness and feature as one of their signature winter projects.
How many years have you been running?
We started in 2015, making 2021 our 8th Christmas!
What inspired you to do this?
Our founder noticed the number of people in her grandma’s care home with no loved ones and wanted to make a difference. It’s grown each year and become a local tradition thanks to the kindness and generosity of local people. More information can be found here.
How many people received gifts last year (2021)?
2087 people across 93 care homes.
How many people volunteered last year?
Over 300 people donated, wrapped our handed out presents in 2022.
Are you paid?
We’re not paid and rely solely on volunteers. Any money donated to us goes straight to supporting people in care with no loved ones.
Do you run Violet’s Gift full time?
Our founder works full time and runs the project in addition to working her day job and supporting a young family.
I’d like to help with running Violet’s Gift more generally, how can I get involved?
Brilliant, we would love your support! Please get in touch!