The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

Be a star and donate a toy to our appeal.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal

Suggested Gift List for Children and Young People (taken from the website)

We believe every child deserves a new gift at Christmas so we are unable to take used or second hand items for the Christmas Present Appeal.

· 0-3 years: dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes, puzzles

· 3-5: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, DVDs and CDs (music and nursery rhymes), colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles

· 5-9: educational games & toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), CDs & family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, wordsearch, crosswords

· 9-12: games and toys, stationery, DVDs, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats

· 13-16: books, make-up and toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers

In my local area, we have local churches and village halls collecting, some with an angel tree and there may be something similar in your area. The angel trees have gift tags on them with details of a child’s gender and age. Anyone wanting to help, can select a gift tag, choose and wrap a suitable gift, attach the gift tag and return it to the collecting point before the designated date.

There are also collecting points in many major supermarkets and other organisations such as the Rotary club who get involved. Checking your local press may point you in the right direction of a collection near you.

We are all finding life a little tougher at present but many of us are still incredibly lucky to be able to provide our own children with warmth, love, good food and plenty of gifts to make their Christmas special. It doesn’t take much to add one extra gift to help a child in need if you can. You might never know who has received your gift, but you can be quite certain that they will have a huge smile on their face and that you will have made a huge difference to their lives.

My house is full of books! I am most definitely addicted to buying books. I just love reading and can think of no better way to spend my spare time. When I had children, I was determined that they too would love reading and enjoy disappearing into other worlds! They were lucky to be able to select their own books and their book shelves were full. I was constantly on the look out for new stories that would encourage them to read independently, knowing that if they were capable readers, the rest of their educational development would also benefit.

But I know my children were lucky. Shockingly 1 in 4 disadvantaged children in the UK owns less than 10 books and even more shockingly, 1 in 8 has none at all! No books to pick up and browse through, no pictures to look at and imagine, no way of losing themselves in a story to take them away from any worries and concerns they may have.

The Children’s Book Project is a registered charity that works with settings across the United Kingdom, aiming to solve this problem by collecting new and gently used books, sorting them and redistributing them to children in need. Founded by Liberty Venn, a researcher and mother of two children, the charity is based in London and has worked with many settings there, but has branched out across other areas of the UK. Liberty was very aware of the positive role that early access to books plays in the development of children and in their future outcomes. She is passionate about helping children to enjoy books and to choose to read for pleasure. In this way, as children read, they develop and their literacy levels improve without them realising. By the age of 11 years, there is a 12-month age development gap between those children who come from ‘book rich homes’ to those who have access to only a few or no books. Book ownership is also directly linked with improved mental health.

The charity works closely with a variety of settings including: women’s groups, children’s centres, food banks and community groups and hope to gift over 100,000 books this year.

How can you help? You can help by collecting and donating books that are no longer needed. Either collect your own, ask for help from neighbours or hold a book drive at your school or community group. Volunteers are always needed at the London base to help collect, sort and deliver books and money donations are always gratefully received to help pay for delivery. There are a number of posters and useful information that can be downloaded from the website to help you set up your own collection and where to donate. These are designed not only to give you useful information but also to help you build up anticipation for an event and to communicate with children, parents and the wider community. If you want to hold a book drive contact tracy@childrensbookproject.co.uk and she will help in any way that she can.

 Your nearest drop off centre can be found by adding your postcode on the relevant page on the website.

Donations must be new or gently used. The charity cannot accept: old and tatty books, encyclopaedias, textbooks or revision guides, religious texts, ex library or reading scheme books, DVDs or CDs.

Most of us have some books that our children have long outgrown and although it is lovely to keep particular favourites, there are many that are just going to waste, sitting unopened on book shelves.

The charity believes ‘Every child should have the chance to choose and own books they are excited about and motivated to read, whatever their circumstances.’

Donating a few of your own unused books is something that can be done quickly and easily but have a massive impact on a child’s well being and growth.

Collect empty crisp packets for:

The Crisp Packet Project HQ

The Art Stack

@Y Centre

St Paul’s Road

St Leonards

East Sussex

TN37 6RS

www.crisppacketproject.com

The Crisp Packet Project was set up in November 2019 by a lady called Pen Huston who had been volunteering at another local charity called Surviving the Streets UK. She noticed that they were always running short of sleeping bags or Bivi bags, used by the homeless to help keep themselves warm. There were also many people who were struggling due to bad weather conditions soaking their sleeping bags and having nowhere to dry them. One night, as she was sleeping, Pen had a dream of being asleep inside a giant green crisp packet! This led to her experimenting with empty crisp packets which she opened, cleaned and then fused together using surplus plastic food bags from the supermarket. After some experimentation, she had created her first Bivi bag. After putting out a request for empty packets on Facebook, Pen found that she was quickly inundated with people wanting to help and saving their bags for her.

These simple creations provide warmth and cover from the dry weather as they can go over a sleeping bag to keep it dry or provide insulation from the cold floor. The silver side of the packet goes on the inside and reflects the body’s heat. The fusing, not melting of the plastic, creates a supple, flexible, strong and long-lasting material – easy to roll up and light to carry around.

Pen now has over 15,000 followers on Facebook and has seen Crisp Packet Projects starting up worldwide. The website provides lots of helpful information so that you can have a go at making the items for yourself or set up your own group. Pen is happy to mentor and guide you to ensure the greatest success. Free information and helpful diagrams, hints on where to find suitable plastic (it needs to be clear and around the thickness of a bread bag) and how to prepare the crisp packets ready for use are available on the website.

Preparing your packets for sending

Eat and enjoy your crisps!

Carefully cut down one side of the packet

Gently open the bottom edge to make a landscape shape

Wash in warm soapy water

Dry either by towel or hanging carefully on a line

Pack flat into an envelope ready for sending.

Any size packet can be sent but they must have silver linings to be effective.

Donators can write a simple positive message on some of their crisp packets if they wish, providing some support and comfort to the recipient.

Free posters are available to download and zoom workshops can be booked for youth and community groups to help get a new project centre started.

It apparently takes approximately 2 minutes to eat a packet of crisps but over 80 years for the packet to decompose so this is a brilliant way of reusing a product, finding another purpose for single use plastic and help provide survival equipment for those who find themselves living on the streets.

It is incredible how something so small and insignificant can be used for something so vital to those in need!

Collect milk bottle tops for

Friends of Water Search and Rescue Team

PO Box 400

Oxfordshire

OX18 9EB.

www.fowsart.org.uk

I’d not heard of this charity before but it is relatively new, founded in 2018 due to urgent funding needed for Water, search and rescue. WSART is a voluntary search and rescue team consisting of over 200 volunteers who work on a call out system, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. They play a vital role in supporting communities throughout the UK with flooding and water rescue and as it does not receive any funding from the public sector, it relies on donations to operate.

The purpose of WSART is: ‘To prevent and protect life and relieve the suffering and distress amongst persons endangered by flooding or natural hazards or to assist in water based rescue incidents or other emergency response situations through the provision of grants to assist in the operational or tactical support of any such incident.’

FoWSART collect and recycle all milk bottle tops, a project managed by GHS Recycling Ltd. The milk bottle tops are turned into pellets that are used in the manufacture of new items such as traffic cones and traffic bollards. The recycling firm weighs donated tops and then makes a donation to FoWSART.

They collect any standard size plastic milk bottle tops.

Please do not send any other kind of bottle tops as these cannot be used and will contaminate the recycling process. Please also wash all bottle tops thoroughly before sending.

Small donations can be sent via post to

Friends of Water Search and Rescue Team

PO Box 400

Oxfordshire

OX18 9EB.

If you have a large collection, please e mail recycling@fowsart.org.uk who can advise you on the nearest collection point. You can also offer to be a collection point by e mailing.

The charity is also happy to collect other items such as foreign money, stamps, old mobile phones, books and textiles. Check out their website www.fowsart.org.uk for further information.

WSART is one of a limited number of specialist teams other than the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services that have operational responsibility across the UK. This seems a very simple and easy way of helping them to continue running.

Book Fairies

www.ibelieveinbookfairies.com

Devised in March 2017, the Book Fairy in Chief Cordelia Oxley, now has 10,000 book fairies in over 100 different countries, sharing their joy of reading. Anyone can join in. Log onto the website to order some special book fairy stickers and then decide how and where you want to hide your books. Some people add a personal touch with a handwritten note, a book mark or a ribbon to make it look more like a gift, others add a short message explaining what Book Fairies is all about or why they particularly want to promote reading – it is entirely up to you. It is a good idea to place the books in a plastic sleeve to stop them being damaged by damp weather if they are not found straight away.

Book Fairies work directly with publishers also, promoting new books by hiding copies in appropriate places. For example, a number of I spy nature books were hidden in parks and woodland and Anton du Beke's novel was hidden in beautiful locations that mirrored those in his book. Book Fairies can choose to hide their books wherever they wish! Famous faces who have become Book Fairies for the day have included Emma Watson promoting ‘Little Women’, Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter series) and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge who participated in the hiding of 150 of her photographic book ‘Hold Still.’

I just love the simplicity of this idea. It costs barely anything, it recycles books, it brings joy to other people and is a unique and fun way to pass on the enjoyment of reading.

Book Fairies can be contacted via their website, by e mail at bookfairyemail.com or on Instagram and Twitter.

The Love Grace handbag appeal

www.lovegrace.co.uk

Love Grace, Hemmings Stores Too, Church Rd, Billericay, CM11 1RN.

In memory of Grace, her family and friends set up the Love Grace Handbag Appeal, in recognition of Grace’s love for handbags! They ask for donations of bags and toiletries which are collected and handed to women’s refuges and other agencies dealing with those suffering from domestic violence. Often these women escape from their situations literally with just the clothes they are wearing as they have no time to plan or prepare. They have nothing, so to receive a bag with basic toiletries is an amazing support. In conjunction with their local women’s refuge, the Appeal organisers have produced a list of items that are suitable for inclusion in the bags and this can be found on their website along with details of drop off points, how to set up your own collection and where to apply if this initiative can be of help you. Items include basics such as: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc, but the website also gives ideas for other useful items and luxuries such as lipsticks and perfume that will help a vulnerable woman to feel better about themselves. The charity specifically asks that the following items are not included: sharp items, sanitary products, pain killers, razors, alcohol, money, food, contraceptives, opened / damaged products.

The family set out to fill 50 bags but this has long been surpassed due to their incredible supporters, and similar initiatives have been run in New Zealand, USA, Canada and Singapore. Over 7000 women so far, have received a Love Grace handbag.

The initiative was also given a Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award in recognition of their work and the difference they are making.

The Love Grace Appeal can not accept money as it is not a charity but has an Amazon Wishlist where bags and contents can be bought direct. They also suggest that if there is not a drop off point near you, that you could liaise with a local refuge to provide them with any collected bags instead.

Grace’s life was tragically cut short. The world was at her feet and was horrifically taken away from her and her family. This Appeal is a lovely way of remembering Grace, a beautiful young woman, and helping others who are suffering; restoring hope, faith and self-belief in women who find themselves in these difficult situations.

What to do with unwanted and discarded spectacles

Peepeyewear also say that it is possible to donate unwanted frames directly to Lions Club if you prefer. They use the donated frames to raise money for sight related charity projects across the UK and in other areas of the world. Try contacting your local Lions Club if they are participating. Many are happy to receive damaged and discarded frames which are sent on to the Chichester Lions Club who process thousands of pairs of spectacles every year. All items donated are examined by volunteers, sorted, graded and then redistributed.

Glasses are sent to eye clinics including those in Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nigeria and Nepal. The charity ‘Unite for Sight’ are also supplied directly with spectacles for them to take on their missions to countries across the world.

Lions Club are also happy to accept hearing aids along with spectacle donations.

Scrap metal from broken and unusable spectacles help to raise funds to support their mission. Since they began the recycling project, the Lions have raised over £675,000!

If you are unable to find a local collecting point, you can send your unwanted frames to:

Chichester Lions Club

The Apuldram Centre,
Common Farm,
Appledram Lane South,
Chichester
PO20 7PE

Please do not send spectacle cases or cleaning cloths. They also ask donators to ensure that they use recyclable packaging materials only (no bubble wrap, polystyrene chips, polythene bags etc) as they have to pay to dispose of this as trade waste.

It seems a great way to dispose of unwanted items and helping others in need at the same time.

I wonder if your house is as full of teddy bears as ours is? My children collected them and refused to EVER get rid of any, so we are inundated, but we are coming to the point when maybe a teddy cull is needed. We’ve never liked the idea of just putting them in a charity bag though. I have been looking for places that might like them and can give them to a child in need, so imagine my delight when I discovered the Teddy Trust and their statement ‘Never underestimate the healing power of a teddy.’ It sounded ideal.

The Trust was set up in 2012 by Ellie Somme who came up with the idea after meeting a lady called Judy Westwater, a child abuse survivor. Ellie was shown some pictures of children in South Africa who had been saved , from a life of abuse, through Judy’s charity, the Pegasus Children’s Charity. One of the pictures showed a little girl sitting apart from the others, totally locked within herself – a result of the damage that had been done to her. The little girl, named Honour by the charity, couldn’t walk or talk after her ordeal and after undergoing multiple operations. Ellie’s heart went out to her and she decided to send a bear – one who could provide comfort through the long lonely nights and be a listening confidential ear. The Teddy Trust was born as a result of this.

The trust collects new and well looked after teddy bears to send to traumatised and displaced children. It is entirely run by volunteers who provide the premises, packaging materials, drop off points, collecting and sorting time and much needed funds. The bears have been sent to 15 countries across 3 continents.

The Teddy Trust is a small charity based in Herefordshire, run entirely by volunteers and reaching out to children across the world. The bears are cleaned, packaged and sent with love and compassion to children in need, bringing some healing and comfort into their bleak lives. A recent bundle of 1200 bears was sent to the Ukraine for children caught up in the current conflict, others have gone to rape crisis centres, hospital forensic units, war torn Syria, refugee camps in Greece and Kurdistan – wherever a need is identified. Any money donated is used to ship the bears to their destinations.

The charity aims to send 20,000 donated bears each year. So far, over 12,000 bears have been sent, over 10,000 alone since May 2021.

Bears can be sent to the address given above or via Drop point and Inpost Parcels which have lockers in a large number of areas. There are also drop off points at Kingsland Post Office Leominster, The White Stuff Ludlow, the Aardvark Book Shop in Herefordshire and Radnor Travel Services in Powys.

Further information can be gathered from facebook.com/theteddytrust/ or by contacting ellie.targett@hotmail.com

Sal’s shoes

www.salsshoes.com

Sal’s Shoes

Easistore, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, TN8 6HF

Isn’t it scary how quickly children seem to outgrow their shoes? When mine were little, it seemed that their feet grew by the month and I was forever having to buy a new pair. The problem was, what to do with the old ones? Although used, they still had loads of life left in them – far too good to throw away.

This is exactly what CJ Bowry thought when her son Sal outgrew his first toddler shoes. She wanted to donate them to a charity but also felt it important to know where the shoes were going and who would be wearing them. Many charities she approached could not tell her this so she packed up a bundle of her son’s shoes and sent them to a friend in Zambia. In return she received a bundle of photographs showing a group of children wearing the shoes, including her son’s very first pair. CJ Bowry posted these pictures on her Facebook page and was inundated with messages from her friends who were equally aghast at the expense of new shoes and the waste, when they were outgrown so quickly. Realising that her small project could benefit hundreds of children in need, she set up her own charity collecting little used, outgrown children’s shoes and delivering them to those most in need.

Many children in different parts of the world are particularly prone to infection due to their lack of footwear. Walking around barefoot leaves them vulnerable to parasites such as hookworm and injuries to feet and ankles can lead to ulcers and other painful conditions. The low sanitation in these areas can cause infections to spread rapidly. There are approximately 300 million barefoot children in the world, about 58 million of these not in school. In many countries, no shoes, means no school, denying children access to the education they deserve.

Because of the many different components in shoes, they are difficult to recycle, so collecting and redistributing makes so much sense. Begun in 2013, Sal's Shoes collected and distributed 4,805 pairs of shoes that year, delivering them not only to overseas countries but throughout the UK also. Last year, that total grew to over 3 million pairs in 57 countries and sadly an increasing number to UK children.

The charity is run by volunteers and collects all sorts of shoes, both children’s and adults: any size, any style but NO heels. They must be lightly used, with no holes or damage, clean and paired together with an elastic band. They also ask if donators would kindly include £1 to help with the costs of redistribution.

One enterprising opportunity undertaken by schools is for children to remove their school shoes on the last day of term and leave them on their desks. (The thinking being that these shoes will not be worn over the summer and are likely to be outgrown by September, though schools quickly point out that children can bring in an outgrown pair instead if they wish.) The children then walk out of school barefoot leaving their shoes behind and bringing home the important message of how lucky they are to have shoes and the understanding of how many children do not. It is a very effective picture and a great way of collecting a bundle of shoes to transport.

I wish there had been something like this when my children were little. Our shoes were bundled up into charity bags never to be seen again, but donators to Sal’s Shoes can receive messages if they include a note and may even receive a picture of the new feet wearing the donated shoes. I can imagine how much joy receiving shoes would be for a child in need and the difference it will make to their lives and their general health. Such a simple idea, but such an effective method of recycling and supporting those who are most in need. of something we take for granted.

Mary’s Meals

www.marysmeals.org.uk

The charity was set up in 2002 by Magnus and Fergus MacFarlane – Barrow and is named after Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The founders are inspired by their Catholic faith, hence the name, but the charity itself is not a Catholic organisation. In 2002, Magnus visited Malawi and met a dying woman and her children. Her eldest son spoke to him and said his dream was to one day have enough food, as that would enable him to go to school. These words were to inspire the founding of the organisation. The brothers began by feeding 200 children in Malawi that year.

The mission of the charity is to ensure that every child receives one meal a day at their place of education. It encourages all those who have more than they need to share with those who do not. Incredibly, it costs just 8p a day to provide a meal for a child through Mary’s Meals and a donation of £15.90 feeds a child for an entire school year! It is amazing that it costs so little and proves that even donating a few pennies can significantly affect a child’s life. 

From those early days, the charity now feeds more than 2 million children, every school day, in 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. They are committed to a low cost approach which means that 93% of all donations are spent directly on charitable activities. Donations are always gratefully received but alternatively you can help by selecting them as your charity for Amazon purchases, by volunteering in some way or by buying gifts from their online shop for yourself, your friends or for the children themselves. They also have a charity shop for your unwanted items if you live in Glasgow. 

I was really pleased that for a few years, the children I worked with learned about this charity and were able to help support it. It was an important lesson for us all to learn.

Smalls for All

www.smallsforall.org

Smalls for All®
Five Sisters Business Park
Westwood
West Calder
EH55 8PN

There is a charity that helps alleviate all these problems and would love your unused new pants and new or barely worn bras. Smalls for All is a charity in Scotland which collects unused underwear to give to adults and children in Africa, and since 2019, to those in need in the UK. In Africa, pants are sent to orphanages, slums, IDP camps (Internally displaced Persons), schools and hospitals providing dignity and comfort for those living in extremely difficult circumstances. In the UK, items are often sent to schools and charities that support the homeless or those on low incomes.

The charity operates from the UK and supports people and charitable organisations working in Africa who can transport and distribute the donated underwear, and by the end of April this year, they had already amassed 1,.855,870 items which is just incredible.

Giving a barely used bra or a pack of new pants is a small thing that costs us little if anything, but this small act can make a lifechanging difference to someone desperately in need. In Africa, many girls miss out on their education due to having to take time off when they are experiencing their period. ‘The power of pants’ means that they can continue attending school.

The charity collects new pants, new bras and what is described as gently worn bras – those that have been barely used, laundered and still have a lot of life in them. Bras are collected in any size and can include sports bras and nursing bras. Pants MUST be NEW. Any colour can be donated but black appears to be preferred by many women and girls in Africa. Sizes required are Ladies 8-14, children 3-15 and men XS-L. There is less need for men’s underwear but donations are sent to hospitals to provide men with some dignity when they are undergoing examinations.

Smalls for All have also set up an Amazon wish list so that people can donate directly and save on postage costs.

Any item is gratefully received, so next time you are having a sort out, why not pack up your unused and unwanted items and send them to Smalls for All. That tiny deed will make a big difference to someone who is not in a position to buy their own underwear, something that the majority of us take for granted.

Kindness by Post is the UK’s leading random acts of kindness exchange. It’s founder, Dr Amy Pollard came up with the idea after a number of bouts of mental ill health which made her take stock of her life and the changes she felt needed to be made. It also gave her a valuable insight into how some people feel disconnected from life, vulnerable and alone. Her belief is that having a sense of connection is a key factor for well-being and good mental health. Kindness by post is an initiative which encourages people to create a moment of kindness simply by writing a card, note or letter to a designated stranger, but also to be open to receiving some kindness themselves. The outcome of this activity being: sharing a few moments of random kindness is just as powerful for the giver as well as the receiver. Both will benefit!

Anyone can take part in a Kindness by Post exchange – either as a one off or as a regular. Those over 13 years of age can participate independently, but children can also take part if they are partnered with a parent or responsible adult. All you have to do is log onto the website, sign up for free and get matched with someone in another part of the country (this changes for each exchange.) Exchanges take place several times a year so it is possible to dip in and out and just sign up for those you particularly want to or have time for. A date is given to log your interest, when to send your encouraging message and who you will be writing to. A theme is often chosen to give you ideas such as spring, well-being, being positive etc but you can write anything you wish as long as it is encouraging, supportive and kind.

Over 12,000 people have participated so far in the scheme which is run entirely on donations. You only ever receive the first name of the person you are connected to and their address and your own details will be sent to someone else entirely. Personal identifiable information (such as your full name or telephone number) is not included in the exchange. It is a simple and easy way to help reduce loneliness, increase wellbeing and a feeling of hope and to give someone a sense of belonging.

I have received handmade cards, positive affirmations from a child, Christmas cards and a host of lovely kind messages which have brightened my day. As you know I love getting things in the post and a random card or letter seems even more special. I feel it is such a lovely way of spreading goodwill and warmth across a country that is still reeling from the effects of Covid, the fears of rising prices and worries for the people of Ukraine, amongst many other concerns. Many people are struggling to deal with their emotions and to make sense of the world, so receiving a letter from a kind stranger can help to show that there is still much kindness in our lives despite the turmoil of everything going on around us.

Collect stamps and foreign currency for the RNIB

www.rnib.org.uk

So, what can you do? When you receive a card or letter through the post, trim the stamps carefully and save them for the RNIB or another charity to recycle. It is recommended to cut the stamps with a centimetre of envelope around them but don’t worry if this is not the case, they can still be used. These are then packaged in a prepaid envelope provided by the charity so it doesn’t cost you a penny. You can also get other people involved by asking for a collection box for your work, your club meeting place or school. Posters appealing for stamps can be downloaded from the website too.

Prepaid envelopes can be obtained by completing a request form on the website or by calling the Helpline on 0303 123 9999 option 4.

The RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) is one of the UK’s leading charities for sight loss and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people. They offer help and support both practically and emotionally, campaign for change and provide reading services and products in their online shop. They aim to help and inspire people with sight loss to transform their experience, community and ultimately society by providing them with the help, support and tools that they need to reach and realise their aspirations.

The RNIB also collects old and foreign currency, so when you get back from your foreign holiday or when you are cleaning out drawers, donate any coins and notes that you no longer need to this fabulous cause. They would love to receive it and help even more people.

Have you ever wandered into a supermarket and wondered why some drinks bottles have tiny knitted or crocheted hats on? Then wonder no more! These are some of the thousands of hats sent to Innocent Drinks each year to support their fundraising for Age UK.

The scheme began in 2003 when Innocent Smoothie decided to donate 25p to Age UK, for every knitted or crocheted hat that was sent to them. This has been repeated each year with increasing numbers of hats being donated. Last year 1.5 million hats were created bringing the grand total of donations up till now to just under £3 million!

The hats will be back on bottles this Autumn, so for those who enjoy knitting or crocheting, it is time to get those needles out. The project is suitable for beginners and more experienced crafters, with a wide variety of hats being donated. These can be simple bobble hats in plain colours or stripes, which is what I managed to do a couple of years ago, but more adventurous crafters can create anything they want to. Items sent in have included unicorns, fruit, dinosaurs, birds, even a post box. The sky is the limit! Let your imagination and creativity take you wherever it wants to go! Suggestions and patterns can be found on the Age UK web site or you can just make up your own.

The deadline this year is June 30th 2022, so there are 3 months available to create as many hats as you wish.

Completed hats should be sent to The Big Knit, Innocent Drinks, 324 Ladbroke Group, London, W10 5BU or be dropped off at your local Age UK charity shop. Add details of your name, address, the date and how many you have created to receive a thank you card from the charity and Innocent.

And what happens to the hats afterwards? Well, they can be used in a number of different ways. Many are donated to toy dolls, turned into quirky bunting or made into Christmas tree decorations. If all else fails, they can be returned to Innocent to be reused another year and raise even more money for Age UK.

I had great fun creating a small selection and found it to be a very relaxing way to spend an evening.

Why not have a go yourself and help this fantastic charity initiative provide even more for Age UK.

The Little Princess Trust

www.littleprincesses.org.uk

When people receive their cancer diagnosis, one of the most frequent questions asked is ‘Will I lose my hair?’ With some cancers it is inevitable (but not all).

For children, losing hair can be just as traumatic as for an adult. Little girls just love using ribbons, bobbles and hair slides to dress their hair, it is part of their everyday routine, so to suddenly be told that it will fall out can be a huge shock.

The Little Princess Trust aims to help with that, by providing wigs made from real human hair, free of charge to children and young adults up to the age of 24 who have lost their hair due to cancer or other medical conditions. Since 2006, they have provided more than 12, 000 wigs and given grants to research projects that are working on finding effective treatments for childhood cancers.

The charity was begun by the parents of Hannah Tarplee, their friends and Hannah’s school after Hannah was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour. Losing her hair affected Hannah badly and her parents searched everywhere for a suitable wig for her to wear during treatment. When they found one, they immediately saw the positive effect it had on Hannah and her health. When Hannah tragically died, they were offered financial and practical help which they decided to use to set up a charity to help other young people in a similar situation. It would be a fitting tribute to their beautiful daughter.

Those in need can apply for a wig and those brave enough to do so, can donate their own hair to be used in the production of wigs. There are specific regulations to follow so if this is something you would like to think about, please do check the website before cutting your hair. Hair has to be in good condition, of a specific length and cut in a specific way.

I first heard about the charity from a teaching colleague whose young daughter had been diagnosed with cancer. Before her treatment started they decided to donate her beautiful curly hair before it fell out, to help another child who was suffering. They would then apply for a wig for their own daughter when the time was right.

From me to you

write a letter to a cancer patient

or receive one if you are a patient yourself.

www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk

I am one of those people who love receiving letters in the post! Long, short, notecards, whatever, I really don’t mind, but the thrill of opening that envelope and settling down to read the contents never leaves me. Luckily, I also like writing letters and have been known to fill a large number of pages quite easily with news of my everyday happenings!

If you like writing letters too, but also like the idea of helping end the isolation felt by many cancer sufferers, then the charity From Me To You and its letter writing campaign could be just the thing for you!

The charity was founded in 2017 by Alison Hitchcock and Brian Greenley who found a way of connecting and building hope through a series of letters that Alison wrote to Brian when he was diagnosed with cancer. Although they barely knew each other, having met at a yoga retreat in India some years earlier, when Alison found out about Brian’s diagnosis, she promised to write to him to help cheer him up through treatment. The letters helped Brian to feel he had some support, cheered him through his tough days and were a treat that he often saved for when he was in hospital having his chemotherapy, helping to distract him from what was happening. This cemented their friendship and led to them setting up the charity to help others suffering from cancer.

Letter writers remain anonymous – it is not a penfriend scheme. Those participating can write as many letters as they want and as frequently as they want. These are screened and repackaged to send to cancer care centres, hospitals or individuals. Filled with general chat, these letters provide a boost to cancer patients, linking them to the outside world and easing the isolation that is so often felt. They show that someone cares and provide a little piece of normality for a person whose life has been turned upside down.

I know because I contacted the charity and asked for letters to be sent to me. I’ve signed up a for a letter a month for six months, but cancer patients can ask for a single letter or for as many as they need to help them get through their diagnosis and treatment. I’ve received two letters so far or more accurately cards, with beautiful pictures and lovely chatty messages inside. There is no advice, no wishing me well, just ordinary everyday writing about the weather, a garden, a visit, the seasons and so on. They are such a pick me up! A reason to smile. A reason to feel that life is good and a reason to feel more connected with the outside world. And there is no pressure for me to respond. Nothing is expected in return.

I have also signed up to be a letter writer and received a little pack up with information, helpful hints and a card and envelope to get me started. It cost me nothing though any donations of funds or stamps are obviously appreciated.

The charity’s website is filled with useful hints and suggestions on what to write about. There are letter templates, starter lines, online workshops and so much more to help you write a suitable letter. The charity will also visit schools, libraries and community groups, and those working towards the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, can write letters to fulfil the volunteering part of their challenge.

Writing a letter is such a simple thing to do but the difference it can make to the person who receives it is immeasurable. I can speak from experience when I say, there is nothing quite like knowing that a stranger is willing you on to get better and supporting you.

Could you help this fabulous charity? I’m definitely going to give it a go. It will be the perfect thank you for the support that I have received.

I’m often on the look out for simple knitting patterns and for charity knitting patterns, so was pleased to come across this website when I was browsing the internet a few years ago. Based mainly in Milton Keynes, it supports families of children with life limiting or life threatening illnesses and also provides handknitted baby clothes and blankets for babies born in neonatal units.

Often premature babies arrive unannounced, with little or no time to prepare and parents do not have suitable clothing for their tiny ones to wear or the opportunity to go and buy any during what is a stressful and traumatic time. The Emily's star charity provides cardigans, hats and blankets knitted to their own patterns which can be found on the website.

Although based in Milton Keynes, they are also able to provide mini gift bags to any babies in the UK, that are born in a neonatal unit.

One of the items provided in the bags and gift boxes that I had never heard of before was bonding squares. These are simple knitted squares that are used to help create a link between baby and mum. A new mum is given two identical squares, one is kept with the baby and the other on the mum’s body. After 12 hours they are swapped over. This helps mum and baby to bond by smell, which is so very important in cases where they cannot touch because the baby is in an incubator or is just too poorly or attached to too many wires. I loved the idea behind these squares and enjoyed creating a selection of my own. They are simple and quick to knit up and have a beautiful little heart design in the centre. I also loved the idea that each set is destined to help provide love and support to a family going through tough times, just as the clothing items are. I would think that receiving such a precious gift, knitted with love by a total stranger, must provide some comfort and warmth to mums reeling from the shock of giving birth to a premature baby or one with a life limiting illness. The perfect gift from one mum to another.

The charity was set up in memory of Emily Elizabeth, born to Katie at 36 weeks. She was born with a rare syndrome called ‘Edwards’ or Trisomy 18 which was described then as a syndrome ‘incompatible with life’ although this is now termed as ‘life limiting.’ Emily was expected to live for only 4 days but hung on to provide her parents with 26 days of incredibly precious memories.

All the knitting patterns and full details about the charity can be found on the website.

In this random acts of kindness week, perhaps you could knit something for either this website or a similar charity closer to home. (Check with neonatal units first to see if they are currently accepting handknitted projects.)

Action for Happiness

Happier. Kinder. Together

www.actionforhappiness.org

I came across this charity quite by chance after spotting a Facebook advert for a free Wellness seminar., which was very good!

Action for Happiness is a small charitable initiative founded in 2010 by Richard Layard, Geoff Mulgan and Anthony Seldon who wanted to create a movement of people committed to creating a happy and caring society – a place where people cared about the happiness of others rather than focusing on themselves.

The charity is non-religious, non-political and has no commercial affiliations. It brings like-minded people together, providing ideas and resources for them to take action in their own community. It relies purely on donations to provide the resources it can, which include seminars (free or small donation if you can), an app, monthly calendars, self-help groups and information on how to live a happier life.

Their values are simple: that our behaviour and actions can affect not only our own happiness but that of others, that we need to prioritise the things that create happiness which will in turn help us create positive relationships and good mental health, and that helping others is essential if we want a happier more caring society.

One of the fun things they produce is a monthly calendar with an idea/suggestion for each day. This month is called ‘Friendly February’ and focuses on reaching out to connect with others and doing what we can to be a good friend. The last two years have been difficult for so many people and the impact the pandemic has had can be more than we realise – by reaching out with a simple act of kindness, we send a ripple of happiness to people but also boost our own happiness. These acts can be as simple as complimenting someone, inviting them for a coffee or sending a chatty note.

Action for Happiness suggest we focus on the positive things we can do right now because our daily choices can make a huge difference. It does not necessarily mean dipping into our purses, it can be giving time, ideas, energy and a sense of wellbeing to everyone around us.

‘Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.’ Desmond Tutu

There are twenty eight days in February and twenty eight suggestions on how you can spread the kindness. Give it a go and let me know how many you achieve.

Game on!

Be a friend to the RSPB

At the end of January each year, the RSPB host their Big Garden Birdwatch event. This year it takes place between the 28th and 30th of January and is a fun, free event that anyone can take part in whether they have a garden, balcony or access to a local park.

Set up in1889, the RSPB is the largest conservation charity in the country aiming to help vulnerable species of birds and create a better environment for our wildlife in an ever-changing world. The loss of forests, hedges and wildlife areas inevitably means a loss of birds and animals. Shockingly 38 million birds have been lost from UK skies over the last 50 years.

You can become a rainbow friend to the RSPB by joining in this year’s garden birdwatch adding to the 1 million people who participated last year!

What you need to do:

Head over to www.rspb.org.uk to register your interest. This can be done online or a special pack can be sent direct to your home.

Decide on one hour over the nominated weekend where you watch the birds that enter your planned area.

Count and record how many of each species LAND on your patch.

And finally go online, or post details to tell the organisation what you saw.

It is that easy! Arm yourself with your favourite cuppa, a chocolate biscuit or two and sit back and relax whilst observing the nature that enters your chosen area.

The site has advice on how to attract birds and encourage them to your garden, information on which birds you might see and a fun quiz to identify which bird you are closest to in character – I’m apparently a robin! (my favourite)

This is such an easy way to participate in a huge project and make a difference to the future of the birdlife in Britain.

Let me know how many species you discover through the contact page or via the Facebook page.

Postcards of Kindness

I came across this initiative quite by chance on Facebook, but as I personally love receiving letters and cards it really appealed to me.

This scheme was set up by ladies working in a care home and was aimed at helping combat the loneliness and isolation that residents in these homes often feel. This began pre-Covid when loneliness and isolation were already a major issue, the pandemic has just heightened those feelings making this project even more worthwhile.

Sending cards is a way of showing residents that somebody is thinking of them and to remind them that they are not alone. The cards also prove great conversation starters for carers and visitors to share with residents, sparking memories and encouraging conversation between the residents themselves. For those suffering from dementia, they can spark memories of long forgotten happy times.

Anyone can take part – whatever age they are. The idea is simple: choose a postcard or greetings card and write a short message about anything you like: the picture on the front, your holiday, your favourite foods, songs or whatever captures your interest. Ask a question or two to spark conversation and memories, share your own memories of times gone by, talk about your pets, your job or the view from your window – the subjects are endless!

Check out the Postcards of Kindness Facebook page to find out more and to find their list of registered care homes. You may decide to write to a random one, one close to your home or relevant to your family, you can even choose some to write to regularly. Occasionally you may get a reply if you add your address but this is not the aim of the project, just a nice little rainbow moment of your own if it happens!