Help us spread joy...
Every Christmas, our 52 Lives community provides gifts for hundreds of people who are going through really difficult times - children living in poverty, elderly people who are on their own, and people who are isolated and vulnerable.
We have set up Amazon wishlists, so you can choose a gift and it will be sent directly to the organisations we've partnered with to give to the people who need them. Wherever possible - particularly for the children's gifts - we have chosen things that they have specifically asked for.
If you make a financial donation, 100% of it will be used to buy gifts (we try to buy from high street stores with these donations as much as possible).
How to Help
1. BUY A GIFT:
- Choose who you'd like to help from the list below.
- Select a gift from the Amazon wishlist.
- Checkout ... when you checkout, choose the 'gift registry' address. Your gift will be sent straight to the organisation. Please don't choose the 'gift wrap' option, but include a gift message if you wish.
- Feel Good :)
2. MAKE A DONATION:
You can donate online or by text. 100% of your donation will be used to buy gifts. Text Gifts and the amount you wish to donate to 70450. eg, to donate £5 just text Gifts 5 (terms here)
3. SEND A CHRISTMAS CARD:
You can send a Christmas card or kind message for someone we're giving gifts to. Postal address:
52 Lives (Christmas), PO Box 3154, Reading, RG1 9AT.
BUYING A GIFT ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE? Use our Christmas gift note to let them know you have bought a gift on their behalf.
Buy a Gift Here
If you are unsure how to buy from an Amazon wishlist, we have produced this handy guide! (Please note: If you can't add an item to your basket, try clicking on the item, and then adding it to your basket.)
Families relying on food banks in Manchester
(Emmeline's Pantry)
Emmelines Pantry helps many struggling families in the Manchester area with food and essentials. Leading up to Christmas, they also try to provide people using the food bank with gifts to give their children.
BUY A GIFT
School children in Hanworth
We're working with a local school on the edge of London that has a high number of pupils who are living in poverty. We are helping them to set up a special free Christmas 'shop' where families in need of help will be discreetly invited in to choose gifts for their children.
BUY A GIFT
Children living in women's refuges in Berkshire
(Berkshire Women's Aid)
Berkshire Women’s Aid has refuges across Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell providing emergency accommodation for women and children in crisis. The people they support are escaping abusive relationships and are often faced with starting over again with nothing. This Christmas there are 50 children staying in their refuges. We’ve created a wishlist filled with the gifts they’re hoping for, and we’d love your help to make their Christmas wishes come true.
BUY A GIFT
Children living in really difficult circumstances in Wales
(Homestart Ceredigion)
The team at Home Start in Ceredigion work with vulnerable families who are living in poverty and who are affected by issues such as domestic violence, substance misuse or mental illness. In their words, they would love to be able to 'give these children a little bit of hope and happiness this Christmas.' We want to provide Christmas presents to the children they support.
BUY A GIFT
People in immigration detention
(GDWG)
GDWG is a charity that provides help to asylum seekers and immigrants being detained at Gatwick. We would like to help them provide some of the people they support with the dignity of a change of underwear and some warm clothes this Christmas. We’ve set up a wishlist filled with boxer shorts and some warm jogging bottoms.
BUY A GIFT
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Your financial donations will be also be used to provide gifts for people supported by Cowshed charity, First Days charity, Link Visiting (helping isolated elderly people) plus gift cards for families living in Women's Aid refuges in Scotland.