Christmas Kindness – Close to Home
The festive season brings twinkling lights, scrumptious food, presents under the tree, cosy gatherings with family, and noisy celebrations with friends. Yet for many families, it can also be a time of stress, isolation, and financial strain — whether due to sudden loss, long-term illness, or household costs that are impossible to meet.
While big national charities may get the support they need and deserve, many community organisations just around the corner are struggling. That’s why we’ve put together a list of local charities helping families and children in our area.
Christmas is a perfect chance for all of us to spread a little kindness and show our kids what it actually means to care — don’t miss out on this opportunity.
- • Wood Street Mission (Manchester & Salford)
- Wood Street Mission has been brightening the lives of families in Manchester and Salford for decades. This Christmas, they’re offering a “Christmas toy shop” where parents referred through local agencies can pick new toys for children aged 0 14, along with essentials like school uniforms and baby equipment. Donations of unwrapped toys, clothes, and funds are warmly welcomed.
- www.woodstreetmission.org.uk
- News about Wood Street Mission
- • Manchester Christmas Relief (Greater Manchester)
- Manchester Christmas Relief spreads festive cheer by providing food parcels and presents for children. In 2024, the charity delivered over 1,600 presents to more than 500 children. They’re looking for donations of toys, festive food items, and volunteers to help pack and deliver parcels.
- www.manchesterchristmasrelief.org
- • The Spearhead Foundation – Manchester Christmas Miracle (Greater Manchester)
- The Spearhead Foundation’s “Manchester Christmas Miracle!” supports families who might otherwise struggle during the festive season, delivering food parcels and gifts. Families, including veterans facing energy hardship, benefit from this initiative. Donations of gifts and food items, as well as financial support, are highly appreciated.
- www.thespearheadfoundation.com/mcm
- • My CWA (Cheshire East)
- My CWA’s Christmas Gift Appeal supports adults and children affected by domestic abuse. From toys for children to gifts for tweens, teens, and adult survivors, donations help ensure everyone experiences some festive joy. Gifts can be donated in person or via their Amazon Wish List, with early December being the ideal time for contributions.
- www.mycwa.org.uk/christmas
- • Ruby’s Fund (Cheshire East)
- Ruby’s Fund supports children and young people with SEND and their families. While their Christmas program details are less public, donations help provide gifts and activities for children in their care. Contact the charity to learn how to contribute.
- www.rubysfund.co.uk
- • Just Drop In (Cheshire East)
- Based in Cheshire East and serving Macclesfield, Bollington, Wilmslow, Knutsford & Poynton, Just Drop In supports children and young people aged 11 25 and their families with free counselling, mentoring, and wellbeing services. While they don’t run a traditional “toy appeal,” they offer crucial emotional support during the festive period, when some young people may feel isolated or under pressure. Donations can help fund holiday wellbeing workshops and activity packs, while volunteers can assist with sessions or peer support.
- www.justdropin.co.uk
- • Francis House Children’s Hospice (Greater Manchester)
- Francis House provides respite and home care for children with life limiting conditions and their families. Their Christmas campaign encourages donations of gifts or funds to support these families during the festive season.
- www.francishouse.org.uk
- Francis House Children’s Hospice featured posts
- • Ronald McDonald House Manchester (Manchester)
- This charity provides accommodation for families whose children are in hospital, ensuring they can stay close to their child’s care. At Christmas, they invite donations of gifts to help families enjoy a festive spirit despite the challenging circumstances of having their children in hospital and being away from home.
- www.rmhc.org.uk
- • The Christie Charity (Manchester)
- The Christie Charity supports The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, a specialist cancer centre. During the festive season, they host family friendly fundraising events and initiatives such as the “Christie Children’s Christmas Party” and the Garden of Hope, where donors can dedicate roses in memory of loved ones. Donations help fund vital equipment, patient support, and activities for children of patients, ensuring families can experience some festive joy despite challenging circumstances.
- www.christie.nhs.uk/the-christie-charity/get-involved/christmas
- • Mellor Country House Charity (Mellor / Stockport / Greater Manchester)
- Mellor Country House is a volunteer run, self funded charity offering low cost self catering short breaks for families on low incomes, single parents, carers and individuals facing difficult circumstances. They are based in the village of Mellor on the edge of the Peak District, set in three acres of grounds and close to the urban areas of Greater Manchester, Stockport and Salford. During the festive season they run a Christmas trees and wreaths sale (with free delivery in a five mile radius) as part of their fundraising to keep the house accessible for those who need a break. Donations of funds, volunteering time, help with maintenance or grounds, or corporate sponsorship are warmly welcomed.
- www.mellorcountryhouse.co.uk
- Features posts from Mellor Country House
- • Friends of Rosie / Children’s Cancer Research Fund (Manchester)
- Friends of Rosie, now also known as the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), supports research into childhood cancers and the care of children with cancer. While the charity’s focus is on funding research rather than direct gifts or hampers, donations help support children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. The charity also hosts seasonal campaigns and fundraising events to engage the community. Contributions go directly toward vital research projects and initiatives that improve outcomes for children with cancer.
- www.childrenscancerresearchfund.co.uk
- News about Friends of Rosie
