3 considerations before you start

1.Time commitment

Don’t underestimate how much time it takes to organise. Not only will you need to contact care homes, friends, family and local shops, you’ll also need to wrap presents, code these (will explain in a later blog) allocate these to the right residents through meetings with the homes and drop the presents off. I’d recommend starting on a smaller scale for your first year and sharing some of the tasks. Last year my Fiancé was a great help with wrapping presents, but my plan this year is to ask people in my local area to help wrap presents at our community centre. I’ll share how I get on with this. 

2.Cost to run

Be conscious there may be to be a small cost for you to coordinate. Of course you can ask donors to wrap their presents (but make sure they tell you what you’re donating), most people find it easier to donate unwrapped gifts. The cost of wrapping is fairly minimal, but something for you to consider, as well as petrol/public transport to drop off the gifts. Last year I also got carried away with buying gifts too, but I found some great calendars in Card Factory at 2 for £1 and residents loved them! This year I’ll be asking local shops if they’re able to donate wrapping paper.

3.Your support network

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Share the experience with family and friends and get them involved. Of course you can donate presents yourself, but a strong support network will mean you can reach even more people with no friends or family. I’m very fortunate to have such great friends and family. You can also ask for support from shops. Last year I contacted large retailers for donations and Superdrug kindly sent back some gifts. I seemed to have more luck with small local shops as I’m not a registered charity so most of the big companies turned me away. You’ll get knocked down but stay resilient because people want to help if they can. This year I’ll be contacting my local newspaper to ask people for donations, as well as applying to be one of my local Waitrose’s ‘good causes’ for token voting. Without a registered charity number people will want to know you’re legitimate. You can print emails from care homes confirming they’re happy for you to donate gifts (which is why contacting them via email is best). 

Most of all, enjoy it! You’ll be making someone’s Christmas. Violet told me it was her best Christmas in years, I’m glad her last Christmas was so special.