Christmas is a truly ‘magical’ time for children but as my two have got older I have been keen to remind them that the festive period it as much a time for giving as it is receiving, encouraging them to think of others that maybe not as fortunate.
Weeniverse are running an Elves of Kindness project to give you some ideas for December, you don’t need to do them all – it’s just to encourage a bit of kindness. Do follow their Facebook here.
Alongside opening traditional Advent calendars, put aside a box and on each day of Advent pop an item in the box. You can do it for various causes and charities including The Rainbow Centre or you might want to use it as an opportunity to sort through toys before Santa arrives and donate to your local Children’s Centre.
The kids can decorate the box to make it “Christmassy’, they may also like to make Christmas Cards and put them in with the donations.
Ideas of what to put in your parcel could include: (ring pull cans if possible)
Non-food items are also welcome:
The Rainbow Centre
The Rainbow Centre are asking for donations including NEW, UNWRAPPED gifts for children this Christmas. They are open 9am – 2pm and are particularly short of gifts for children aged 10 years plus. Please deliver unwrapped to The Rainbow Centre by Friday 7th December. Parish House. YO11 1TH. Website
Viking FM Mission Christmas
Our new friend Reliant the Robin is out and about pointing Santa to all of the children at risk of waking up to nothing on Christmas morning – but we need your help!
Please donate just one gift if you can, and he’ll make sure the Big Guy delivers it to a child near you. All gifts should be new and unwrapped, and you can drop them off at dozens of locations across our area. There are drop off locations in Scarborough, Bridlington, Whitby and further afield.
The above are just a few ideas of acts of kindness you can do as a family to give back to others over the festive period. Why don’t you join our Ryedale & The Coast Mumbler Chat Group and share your ideas with others.