With America’s angel tree videos trending absolutely everywhere across social media, and the rising cost of living crisis, it can be easy to feel like you should be doing more to give back to those less fortunate around Christmas time. But as a student, it’s fair to say you don’t often have a lot of spare cash – and that’s totally okay. We’re here to share some great ideas to help you with giving back to your community over the festive season without spending too much at all…
Engage with social media content
Many creators taking part in these videos, and similar ones like the Dunelm tags in the UK or people shopping for community pantries and so on, get paid per engagement – views, likes, comments, saves etc. Usually they’ll use earnings from these giving back-style videos to do more of the same. By watching the video all the way through and leaving an encouraging comment, you’re helping without having to spend ANY money at all. How’s that for the power of scrolling?
Food bank trolleys
Most supermarkets have a trolley, box or basket at the front of the shop where you can leave donations for local food banks. You don’t need to do a full food shop (like you’ll often see in TikTok videos…) but while you’re stocking up on your own essentials, try to add in one extra item to donate. If everybody did this, it would make a huge difference! Here are some ideas for things you can give to the food bank at this time of year:
Advent calendars
Christmas biscuits
Sweet treats
Gravy granules
Stuffing mix
Sanitary products
Tin opener
Long life milk
Gluten free food items (pasta, biscuits, cereal)
Dairy free food items (chocolate, milk alternatives, sponge cakes)
Toiletries
Tinned veg
It may only cost you an extra pound or two, but it will make a really big difference.
Buy charity Christmas cards
Still not bought, written and sent your Christmas cards out yet? Never fear, there’s still time! Charity shops stock packs of cards for around the £1-2 mark, and the money gets donated straight to the charity – you can often also buy these charity cards in supermarkets too. For something you’re buying anyway, why not give back in the process?
Hand out warming packs
Homelessness is an ever-present worry across cities in the UK, and with colder days leading to even colder nights, it can be really heartbreaking to see. If you do find yourself with a bit of your student budget to spare, warming packs are a lovely thing to do. Pick up a cheap pair of gloves, a scarf and a hat as well as some hand warmers – pop them in a carrier bag and hand them out directly to homeless people in your city. Do so safely, maybe in pairs of groups, and you’ll see just how much it’ll be appreciated.
Wanting to give back is a lovely thing, and Christmas really is the season of giving – and hopefully these ideas can inspire you.
