How to support a charity at Christmas … it’s a gift that just keeps on giving | Money

The British public is expected to give more than £1bn to charities this month as the festive season acts as a reminder of the increasing number of people who are in need of help. But charities say that the number of people who regularly give has declined, and some have appealed for extra help.

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) says that although the public is more motivated to give at Christmas, at the same time, “more and more” people are in need.

“We hope that those who can afford to, give, either in the form of a donation, or things they don’t need, or by volunteering their time for good causes,” says Philippa Cornish, head of charities at the CAF.

So what are some of the ways to support a charity at Christmas, and, perhaps, throughout the year?

Gifts and merchandise

Christmas gifts and merchandise offered by charities and aid agencies have evolved a long way from boxes of greetings cards, calendars and diaries. Many offer “virtual gifts” that can help change the lives of people around the world – from paying for a child to go to school in a developing country, to providing warm clothes in a cold climate.

Some charities offer an e-gift card which you can personalise and send on to a relative or friend, while with others you buy the gift in their name and the recipient gets a personalised e-card or certificate.

Here’s a few last-minute ideas:

Oxfam’s Unwrapped e-gift cards start at £5. Causes that can be supported include helping people access clean water; assisting activists as they push for change; funding new energy systems in areas affected by adverse weather; and pushing for equal pay.

Save the Children’s school bag kits cost £12 and include pens, pencils, rulers and other essentials. These are aimed at children who, for example, have had to flee their homes due to war or a natural disaster. In the shop there are toys for £8; five mosquito nets for those at risk of malaria cost £21; and £38 gets a water filter in an area where the supply is filthy.

WaterAid has a Shop for Life which offers “handwashing stations” for three families (£24), a “bog in a bag”, which is a bag of cement that produces a latrine (£10), and a pair of water taps (£20).

Impact, which aims to help disabled people in impoverished countries, sells gift tokens that help fund cleft lip surgery, and care packages for new mothers and children.

Gifts that give back

The amount of waste at Christmas has prompted many to want to buy in a more sustainable way.

Lucy Willoughby set up Bristol-based Good Things to sell gifts that support charities and “give back to people and the planet”. “By buying these, I know my money is making a difference in the world and supporting causes that matter – not just the profits of big business,” she says.

Among the things it sells are accessories, such as bags and wallets by the upcycler Lost in Samsara.

UK charity Arthouse Unlimited represents artists with learning and physical disabilities, while Gogo Olive offers handmade toys which have been knitted by women who have been imprisoned in Zimbabwe.

Other options include the ShelterBox Book Club, where members get to vote on books they would like, with the winning title posted to them every six weeks. Funds raised are used to help people suffering from the effects of natural disasters. The suggested donation for six months is £60.

Migrateful hosts cooking evenings run by refugees, who teach people about dishes from their home country. Classes are held in London, Bristol and Brighton.

Donate to food banks

Winter is the busiest time for food banks, and there has been an urgent appeal for donations from Trussell, the charity which acts as a community hub for 1,400 food banks. A donation of £25 can provide food for two, while £50 can feed a whole family, and £150 can help respond to increased need for a week.

“As temperatures plummet and bills rise, people will be forced into making impossible choices between eating or heating,” says Trussell’s director of public engagement, Sophie Carre.

“Help make sure food banks continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice this winter by donating food, or money to Trussell’s winter appeal.”

Food donations should be long-life and in date, and toiletries such as shampoo are welcome.

Give money

Simply contributing cash is the easiest way to help. This also gives charities the flexibility to use the funds how they wish, says Donal Watkin of the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO).

“Structured giving, such as setting a budget or planning regular donations, can help spread generosity throughout the year, allowing charities to plan ahead and sustain their services,” says Watkin.

Volunteer

Whether it is large national organisations or smaller local groups, there is often a need for volunteers who can help out at Christmas and over the winter.

Among many others, Crisis looks for people to help with packing presents, hosting get-togethers, bring people meals and running activities. And the Salvation Army asks volunteers to help prepare and deliver food, wrap and deliver gifts, and support community events.

… but be alert to fraud

Those giving to charity this Christmas have been warned to watch out for fraud. A campaign has been launched by the Fundraising Regulator, the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and Action Fraud to ensure people do not fall victim to criminals. Their advice is:

Check the charity’s name and number on the Charity Register, where most charities with income of over £5,000 are registered.

Work to understand how a charity is spending the funds raised.

Look for the “Fundraising Badge” logo, which means they are registered with the regulator.