Welcome to The Amazing ‘Christmas Stocking Campaign’

A video from our 2019 campaign.

CSC Video – Credit – Aime – Beth Steadman

What does Christmas mean to you?

For some, it’s a time to celebrate with friends and family, share memories of good times past and better times ahead, and a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy life. Sadly, for others, Christmas can be a very sad and stressful time. Financial worries, illness, bereavement, homelessness, addiction, loneliness, and emotional turmoil can turn Christmas into a time to forget.

The Christmas Stocking Campaign brings people together to help others, showing that the community cares and understands that we all go through tough times. But you are not alone.

The Christmas Stocking Campaign began following a generous donation of 250 Christmas stockings in June 2018. Initially, we had no idea what to do with them. We ran a drop-in group for homeless people and those in crisis, so we asked some of them what they would like in a Christmas stocking. Their responses were simple yet heartfelt: socks, chocolate, toiletries, torches, woolly hats, and more.

We reached out to local businesses for help with donations, and by September, we had filled the 250 stockings and collected many additional items that wouldn’t fit. Thus, The Christmas Stocking Campaign was born!

We were generously donated another 250 stockings, and in our first year, we distributed 500 filled stockings and around 2000 larger items. We worked with local GP surgeries, Children’s Services, and other professional organizations to nominate individuals and families who would benefit from a “Gift from the Community.” We created Christmas Stocking Vouchers for these organizations to distribute, which recipients exchanged on our distribution day.

The event was a huge success

We brought people together to offer practical support during a time of year that can be stressful and upsetting for many. All donations were sorted by age and gender and placed into labelled stockings. We also handed out mince pies, cakes, and more. The feedback was incredible, and it was clear how much it meant to the recipients as well as those who donated or helped sort and fill stockings.

Over the last 7 years, we have filled and distributed over 10,000 Christmas Stockings (all of which have been donated) and close to 80,000 larger items. Throughout these years, we have learned and developed, staying true to our core principles and beliefs of helping people with practical support at the most special time of year. Our goal is to create happy memories of better times and inspire hope for the future, showing that the community cares.

We invite you to join us in making a difference this Christmas. Together, we can bring joy and support to those in need, spreading warmth and cheer throughout our community.

Want to Get Involved? It’s All About The Elf!

We cannot do what we do without an army of Elves! Elves are people who believe in Father Christmas and giving something back to the community. As an Elf, you will be responsible for organizing a collection of stocking fillers at your group, business, or organization. It is an unforgettable role, and we have many Elves who have been with us since 2018.

What It Takes to Be an Elf:

Organizational Skills: You’ll be the go-to person at your organization, collecting and coordinating donations.

Great Sense of Humour: If you’re a bit pushy, don’t take no for an answer, and are generally the person who makes everyone sigh when you walk into a room, you’ve probably got what it takes to become an Elf!

What You Get:

Nice List: As an Elf, you are automatically added to Father Christmas’s ‘Nice List’ with certificated proof.

Elf Gear: You’ll receive an Elf Hat, Posters, and full ‘Elf and Safety’ training.

First to Nominate: You will have the first opportunity to nominate people to receive the gifts, people in your workplace or community that you know would benefit from a gift from the community.

The donations you collect can be picked up or dropped off at our Grotto to be sorted ahead of distribution. We want to hear from you! Join us and become a part of this magical journey, making Christmas special for those in need.

Get in touch

Donate

If you would like to donate to our campaign, please use the link below. All donations up to £250 are kindly match funded by our great friends at Aviva and The Aviva Community Fund. Click below to donate.