Many of us will be busy wrapping and organising presents to be delivered to our loved ones in various countries around the world. Christmas is a busy time for logistics companies and we are no different. However, we felt it was important to raise awareness of how you can support those whose Christmas is nothing like ours by packing a box for them full of essentials.

To that end, operation christmas child send pre packed shoe boxes to children all around the world. You can see the impact a simple shoebox gift packed and sent with has on a child and how it reaches into a community.

You can drop your shoebox off or pack one online until the 18th November. For full information please visit the Samaritans website here

There are many other organisiations that also give to needy children. The Salvation Army run a Christmas Present Appeal where you can locate your nearest drop off point and donate new unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present.

The gifts will then be wrapped and distributed to those in need. You can view their website here

Locally, Southampton Hospital Charity take donations at this time of year, there are patients who have to remain in hospital over the Christmas period, and some have no family to visit them. By donating a gift, you can make someone’s Christmas extra special.

Christmas wish list:

•Magazines, colouring and puzzle books for adults

•Toiletry gift sets

•Mince pies, tins of biscuits, Christmas treats including gluten free and those suitable for diabetics for our outpatient and day clinics

•Personal hygiene sets, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and wet wipes

•Tea and coffee for our Macmillan centre and memory cafes

Another local charity is SCRATCH Southampton who run their Christmas Complete campaign, their annual toy project where donations can be dropped off or posted to local locations.

You can go to their website here

Christmas is always such an exciting time of year, and being able to help those who are less fortunate will make a massive difference to their quality of life.