How to HELP make Christmas for those in need in Manchester

Manchester charities are looking for volunteers and donations to help them over the busy Christmas period.  Even just a couple of hours of your assistance or a small gift can make a difference.

Wood Street Mission Christmas Appeal 2016

Wood Street Mission help local families struggling to make ends meet by providing new toys and food at Christmas. As part of their Christmas Appeal, Wood Street Mission are accepting donations of gifts suitable for children up to the age of 18 and non-perishable food for families until 16 December. Gifts (suggested value £10) can be dropped at the office at 26 Wood Street or a collection can be arranged by calling 0161 834 3140. You can also donate to the appeal online.
www.justgiving.com/woodstreetmission   

Christmas Carols in the City

Tickets are now on sale for the third annual Christmas Carols in the City concert. It’s a chance to experience an authentic festive choir in the beautiful setting of Manchester Cathedral with part of the ticket fee going to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital charity. It takes place on Thursday 15 December and festive refreshments will be available. Tickets are £6 for children and concessions, £12 for adults.
www.manchestercathedral.org/events/1435/royal-manchester-childrens-hospital-concert

Help support the work of St Ann’s Hospice

St Ann’s Hospice operates across Greater Manchester and helps thousands of families every year who are affected by cancer and life-limiting illnesses. £16,000 a day is needed to maintain the specialist care and support they provide – and your donations can help. They are currently accepting donated items for their Christmas raffle and there are other festive events you can contribute to including fairs, an Elf Treasure Hunt and Get Elfie campaign.
www.sah.org.uk

Be there for someone with The Samaritans

Manchester Samaritans helps over 42,000 people every year facing hardship, providing emotional support day and night. Christmas is a particularly tough time for many people. When you volunteer with The Samaritans you will receive all the training you need to make a difference to the lives of other people – whether you are listening over the phone, joining outreach activities or even helping with administration.
www.samaritans.org/branches/manchester-and-salford-samaritans

Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelter

Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelter is welcoming people from all walks of life to volunteer with the distribution and organisation of shelters for the homeless. There are seven locations across the area.
gmwns.wordpress.com

Bring hope to the streets of Manchester with Barnabus

Barnabus help rough sleepers and the homeless all year round with an emphasis on providing sleeping bags this winter. They are also accepting donations of Christmas-themed food and warm clothing at the office at 61 Bloom Street. Christmas presents are also welcome. For a recommended list of items to give please see their website.  Deadline is 11 December.
www.barnabus-manchester.org.uk/christmas_appeal.html

Help make vulnerable children’s voices heard in Greater Manchester

Churches in Greater Manchester are inviting their local communities to help bring hope to some of the UK’s most vulnerable children this festive season by supporting their Christingle celebration in aid of The Children’s Society. Christingle is a tradition that has been taking place for almost half a century and these events are an opportunity for people of all ages to join in, light a candle and enjoy the warmth and vibrancy of this special festive occasion. All money raised will go towards providing life-changing support for vulnerable children and young people and to make sure their voices are heard. To find out about local Christingles near you visit christingle.org/findmyevent

Help fight hunger with FareShare

An estimated 8.4 million people across the country go without adequate food in the winter. You can do your bit to help fight hunger and ensure that some of the most vulnerable people in our society have enough to eat this Christmas by joining Team FareShare and spending a morning or afternoon on Thursday 1, Friday 2 or Saturday 3 December collecting food donations from your local Tesco store.
www.fareshare.org.uk/regional-centres/greater-manchester

Help FC United play Santa Claus Toy Story

FC United are playing Santa Claus again this year. No, it’s not a charity football match. They are collecting toys at every home game until 17 December and distributing them to local children in need in time for Christmas.
www.fc-utd.co.uk

Donate to Manchester Dogs Trust

Manchester Dogs Trust cares for dogs abandoned by their owners and treats severe cases of neglect. Winter is a particularly testing time with more resources needed to keep these canine companions fed and warm.
www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/manchester