With festive decorations in shops, Christmas lights on their way and Winter Wonderland soon to open its doors, the festive season is well and truly approaching. Marble Arch volunteers will be out in force this year decorating local schools, leading festive workshops and spreading Christmas cheer.
Marble Arch volunteers decorating Christmas trees at Hampden Gurney school in 2019
2021 has been a difficult year for many, with the coronavirus pandemic still very prevalent and affecting day to day lives. Our local charity partners have worked tirelessly throughout the year to support those who are particularly vulnerable, and who have found themselves increasingly isolated due to the pandemic. Read on for ways you can take part in Christmas giving in Marble Arch.
The Marylebone Project is a registered social landlord providing 112 long- and short-term beds to homeless women and offering essential facilities and support to women who visit their rough sleepers’ drop-in at the Marylebone Centre. The Marylebone Project collects donations of Christmas presents for their residents and would also very much appreciate donations of toiletries, particularly shower gel. To make a financial donation to the Marylebone Project, please click here.
Marble Arch volunteers delivering Christmas gifts to the Marylebone Project in 2019
Penfold Community Hub is a dedicated centre offering a range of weekly activities for people aged 50 plus, in addition to advice and information. The programme of classes includes exercise sessions, IT support and arts and craft activities. The Hub also has approximately 50 tenants living in residential accommodation on the site. Penfold Community Hub is seeking Tesco vouchers, toiletries, small boxes of confectionary, tea, coffee and biscuits to make up small parcels to distribute to their residents and other nearby sheltered housing schemes.
Imperial Health Charity helps the hospitals of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust do more through grants, arts, volunteering and fundraising. This year, Imperial Health Charity are raising funds through their Time for Play appeal. Their aim is to transform the existing playroom at St Mary’s Hospital, creating a vibrant and engaging space for play and other vitally important forms of therapy. In this play area, children of all ages will have the freedom to explore a wide range of age-appropriate games and sensory resources in a truly multi-functional space specially designed to encourage curiosity, movement and interaction. To donate to the Time for Play appeal, please click here. For those who would prefer to donate toys, the Play Specialist team at St Mary’s have an ongoing wish list for Children’s Services via Amazon.
Marble Arch volunteers with piles of gifts for the community in 2019
LDN London works with children and adults with learning disabilities and supports them to stay healthy, be safe and live well in a society which values them as equal citizens. Every year, the charity drives around all 44 of their services with a Christmas hamper full of festive goodies for the people they support and their staff. Any donation towards the content of these hampers would be gratefully received. To make a financial donation to LDN London, please click here.
If your team would like to hold a Christmas collection for any of our local partner charities, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our community team would also be delighted to work with you on a bespoke donation drive, such as creating festive hampers to be distributed to local families via our Marble Arch school partners.
