The season for giving: Easiest ways to donate this Christmas

Christmas is the season for giving and it couldn’t be easier to donate to those in need. Whether you want to give money, food or unwanted items, there are loads of great ways to do some good.

Here are some of our favourites…

Donate through everyday spending

Many credit cards offer charity schemes where every time a customer makes a payment with their card, the connected charity gets a small percentage of the transaction. Similarly, when you shop through AmazonSmile, the company donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to charities like Stonewall, RSPCA and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Give unwanted toys and clothes a second chance

The Air Ambulance website has a map of local donation banks, so you can find the nearest place to donate any unwanted clothing or toys that your family may have grown out of.

Feed the world from your tablet

Freerice is an educational trivia game that helps you get smarter while making a difference for people around the world. Each correct answer generates the cash equivalent of 10 grains of rice for the UN World Food Programme to support its work, saving and changing lives around the world.

Donate your old electricals

Little Lives collect unwanted TVs, computers, games consoles, tablets, phones and cameras. So, clear some space for new presents and help make a difference to the lives of children and families in need of a little support.

Sponsor a child

We bet you all have that one friend or relative who always says they don’t want anything for Christmas. Well, this year why not give them the gift of sponsoring a child with Action Aid? As their child’s only sponsor, they’ll have a special relationship with them, receiving photos, handwritten messages and regular updates from their community.

Donate to your supermarket foodbank

Nearly all supermarkets have a foodbank by the till. Next time you shop, why not pick up an extra item that you can donate to someone in need. Send charity Christmas cards

While you’re picking out Christmas cards this year, consider choosing a set created by a charity. There are loads to choose from including RSPB, Shelter, Cancer Research, Macmillan, and you’ll know your money is going to a good cause.

It’s never been easier to spread a little joy this Christmas.

Team SMARTY