Volunteers make a Christmas difference

If you want to make a difference this Christmas, helping out in a hostel for the homeless, or making a commitment to year-round volunteering are your best options according to a new survey by Volunteering England.

Manning a helpline, organising a fundraising event and selling Christmas cards for good causes were considered less of a priority by respondents to the online poll.

The favoured options gained 39% and 37% of the votes respectively, demonstrating the need to balance a seasonal demand for volunteers with the sector’s need for a steady supply of committed people all year round.

Justin Davis Smith, Acting Chief Executive of Volunteering England, said: “Christmas is a time when many people think of helping others, and volunteering with the homeless can be a wonderful way of helping out at a time of increased need.

"Another great Christmas gift to your community would be to look into volunteering all year round, as many projects need support on an ongoing basis.

"Have a look at our Christmas volunteering tips if you’d like to get stuck in straightaway, or visit your local Volunteer Centre for suggestions on volunteering opportunities to take up in the New Year.”

Jane Eggleton, Crisis Communications Manager, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Crisis Open Christmas and without them the event would not be the success that it is.

"Over 5,000 general volunteers are needed to run the centres and thousands more specialist volunteers are also needed in areas as diverse as welfare and benefits advice, hairdressing, dentistry, catering and drugs and alcohol prevention.

"It's a hugely rewarding experience which is why many of our volunteers come back year on year."

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