The festive season is a busy time for local charities and community groups in North Tyneside, with a range of causes and campaigns supporting those in need. Here’s a roundup of how you can get involved, whether by volunteering, donating, or attending events. If you know of any additional fundraising activities or campaigns taking place, please email victoria.logan-coulsey@voda.org.uk.
Campaigns and Events
- Salvation Army Christmas Day Meal: Christmas Lunches and companionship to older people living alone. Ths year’s Christmas Day Lunch will be held as usual at 28 Howard Street, North Shields on December 25th. (Disabled access around the back of the building). People can arrive from 11am for a cuppa. Lunch is served at 12pm, followed by socialising, carols etc, ending around 2pm. If you would like to participate please contact Age UK North Tyneside Customer Services on 0191 280 8484 for a referral, or contact the organisers on 07720 715190 or email nigel.wickens3@btinternet.com.
- NEPACS: The Big Give Christmas Challenge appeal is now live. From noon 3 December to 10 December 2024, NEPACS is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge to raise funds towards special family visits, play and youth areas across all north east prisons.
- Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter: 12 Strays of Christmas Campaign. A gift of £12 cover’s a day’s care. Read more at 12 Strays of Christmas – Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter.
- St Oswald’s Hospice: Festive Fundraising: St Oswald’s Hospice is encouraging businesses and workplaces to bring festive cheer while raising funds for patients and families. From selling memory pins to hosting bake sales, there are plenty of ways to make a difference. Find out more at St Oswald’s Hospice or email bettertogether@stoswaldsuk.org.
- Shieldsy Chrimbo: Supporting the Homeless: On Christmas Day, Shieldsy Chrimbo will host a Christmas dinner for those in need, offering a warm, safe space at Li’L Community Hub in North Shields. They are also collecting donations of thermal hats, socks, gloves, and toiletries. Drop off items at the hub, Monday to Thursday, 11am–2pm. Contact: @ShieldsyChrimbo on Facebook or 07732 320108.
- Feeding Families Christmas Food Boxes: Donate £25 to provide a Christmas Food Box to a family in need, or download their Foodraising Pack to start your own drive. Visit their website to donate.
- LD:NorthEast Chocolate Appeal: Support LD:NorthEast’s tombola fundraiser by donating chocolate treats, or volunteer at their upcoming events on 30 November and 14 December in Wallsend. Contact them at 0191 2622261 or email info@ldne.org.uk.
- Barnardo’s Wallsend is hosting a ‘Be Together’ event on 30 November, 10am to 4pm. There will be a tombola, Santa’s visit, and festive shopping opportunities. All proceeds support their work with children and families.
- The People’s Kitchen is running their “Feed a Friend for a Fiver” campaign to provide three-course Christmas dinners for homeless or vulnerable people. Donate at The People’s Kitchen.
- YMCA North Tyneside: Their Hope for Christmas campaign includes:
- A wish list for gifts, or you can drop by the YMCA and choose a gift tag from our physical Wish Tree or donate Selection Boxes – a simple gesture that can bring a smile to a young person’s face.
- A free Community Christmas Meal: Wednesday 18 December, 4pm to 6pm in Café 1879. A free 3-course Christmas Dinner for residents in the community. No booking is required.
- Or you can make a monetary donation here.
- Hazlerigg Community Centre is seeking donations to support a local family in need, including clothing, toiletries, and toys for two boys aged 8–12. See their Facebook page for full details or contact them on 07925 127972 or email Hazlerigg_communitycentre@yahoo.com.
- Harbour Support Services has an Amazon Wishlist to collect Christmas presents for families arriving in refuges. If you are not able to access Amazon or would like to arrange a drop off to one of their offices please contact 03000 20 25 25 or email info@myharbour.org.uk.
- NT Life Recovery College is seeking donations of toiletries and chocolates/sweets for their Secret Santa Day on 20 December. Contact julie.bishop@voda.org.uk if you are able to help.
- The Bay Foodbank Reverse Advent Calendar: The Bay Foodbank is seeking donations of food and toiletries, with festive items like Christmas puddings and selection boxes and new toys/gifts are also appreciated. Donations for the Reverse Advent Calendar are needed by 6th December so that they can be ready for Christmas, but they are always happy to accept donations. Visit their website for details.
- Acorns Christmas Raffle: Support families affected by domestic abuse by buying a raffle book for £5. Proceeds go to Acorns Project. Purchase tickets here.
- Norah’s North Pole: Help bring Christmas magic to children in need in the North East by donating through their Amazon wish list, GoFundMe page, or drop-off points. Visit Norah’s North Pole website for details.
- Streetworx Christmas Appeal: Streetworx is collecting socks, gloves, hats, toiletries, and more for those experiencing homelessness. Find drop-off points and more details on their Facebook page.
- Community Christmas Party: Whitley Bay Big Local: On 23rd December, Whitley Bay Big Local will host a Christmas party for those affected by the cost of living crisis, homelessness, or isolation. To support this event, donate via their LocalGiving page.
- Anxious Minds: Mental Health Challenge: Take part in Anxious Minds’ Mental Health Challenge to raise funds for vital mental health services. Find out more at supportmentalhealth.co.uk.
- Linskill Centre: ‘Have a heart, save a heart’ fundraising campaign which aims to raise £1000 for a new defibrillator at the centre by 20th December. You can donate here.
Volunteer
- LDNE: Volunteers needed for Wreath Making Workshops (30 Nov 9am to 5pm) and Santa’s Grotto & Crafts (14 December 9am to 5pm). Contact 0191 262 2261 or info@ldne.org.uk
- Springfield Community Association: Volunteers are needed to deliver packed lunches on 18th December. To help, contact Stuart at 0191 266 2988.
- Feeding Families is seeking volunteers to assist with their annual Christmas packing event, which runs this year from 28th November to 14th December 2024 at our Blaydon HQ, Monday to Saturday (no Sundays). Sign up via Volunteero.
This festive season, your support could make all the difference to someone in need. Get involved and help spread Christmas cheer across North Tyneside!
