As we head towards Christmas — a time that’s meant to feel warm, joyful and full of togetherness — it’s worth remembering that for many people across Telford & Wrekin, this season can be incredibly tough.

Families are stretched.
Loneliness increases.
Shelters, food banks and local charities see demand rise sharply.

And while none of us can fix everything, we can all make a difference in small, meaningful ways.
Sometimes it’s a donation, sometimes it’s time, sometimes it’s simply sharing a charity’s post so someone else sees it and gets the help they need.

So if you’ve been wondering how to give back this Christmas — or your business wants to support the local community in a simple, heartfelt way — here are 10 Telford & Wrekin charities you can support today, along with easy ideas for getting involved.

---

1. Telford Crisis Support (Food Bank & Baby Bank)

Christmas is one of their busiest times of year. Donations of food, baby items, toiletries and Christmas treats make a massive difference.
How to help:

• Donate festive food items or essentials
• Volunteer to pack or deliver parcels
• Run a Christmas donation drive at work

---

2. Severn Hospice

The holidays can be emotional for families receiving hospice care. This charity offers comfort, dignity and support when it matters most.
How to help:

• Buy from their Christmas shop
• Volunteer in-store
• Donate in memory of a loved one

---

3. Stay Telford

Winter is especially challenging for anyone at risk of homelessness. Stay provides housing, support and a lifeline to people in crisis.
How to help:

• Donate warm clothing or essentials
• Offer a small gift towards emergency packs
• Support their winter fundraising

---

4. Telford Mind

Christmas isn’t easy for everyone. Telford Mind helps people struggling with loneliness, anxiety and low mood — which often peak in December.
How to help:

• Donate to support winter wellbeing workshops
• Volunteer or fundraise
• Share their mental-health resources

---

5. Shropshire Wildlife Trust

Cold months put pressure on wildlife too. This charity protects our green spaces and runs seasonal conservation projects.
How to help:

• Join a winter litter pick
• Sponsor wildlife-friendly planting
• Become a member as a Christmas gift

---

6. Age UK Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin

Christmas can be particularly isolating for older people. A simple act of kindness goes a long way.
How to help:

• Become a befriender
• Send treats, cards or small gifts
• Volunteer at festive events

---

7. Hope House Children’s Hospice

Their Christmas events and campaigns help support children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
How to help:

• Take part in a festive fundraiser
• Donate toys or gifts (check their list first)
• Support their Christmas appeal

---

8. Telford Young Carers

Young carers often miss out on the magic of Christmas because they spend so much time looking after others.
How to help:

• Donate gifts or activity supplies
• Sponsor a festive outing or treat
• Offer skills-based workshops

---

9. Little Stars Baby Bank

The team supports families with essential baby items, which are even more needed during winter.
How to help:

• Donate baby clothes, coats and toys
• Contribute nappies and toiletries
• Share their appeals so others can help too

---

10. Hilbrae Rescue Kennels

Even animals feel the cold. This volunteer-run rescue takes in straw and unwanted dogs, and look after them until they find them loving homes.
How to help:

• Donate food, bedding or toys
• Sponsor a dog over Christmas
• Volunteer as a foster home

---

Small Things That Make a Big Difference This Christmas

If you’re short on time or money, you can still help in simple but powerful ways:

✔ Share a local charity’s Christmas appeal — it might reach someone who can donate
✔ Add an extra item to your food shop
✔ Give a little gift to someone spending Christmas alone
✔ Run a small collection at work
✔ Volunteer for an hour or two
✔ Offer your skills to a charity that needs them

None of these need to be grand or expensive.
But together, they help create the kind of community we all want to live in.

---

Christmas is all about connection, generosity and looking after one another.
And supporting local charities — in whatever way you can — is one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to spread that kindness.

If your business wants help choosing a local cause to partner with, planning a small festive fundraiser, or setting up a community project for next year, I’m always here to help.

Just give me a shout 💛🎄