As we all know this festive season is a time where we exchange gifts, spend quality time with our loved ones and eat the yummiest meal of the year…but remember its not glitter and gold for all. While you’re wrapped up warm under your duvet, remember there’s always someone less fortunate than you. There’s nothing more self-rewarding than taking time out every now and then to help others and here’s a few ways how…

Shoebox Appeal

This is a creative and fun way to put a smile on a child’s face! Get yourself a shoebox, decorate it, then fill it with toiletries, toys, hats, scarves, hard boiled sweets and anything else you can think of, whatever it is just be innovative! There are lots of organisations who you can help by sending in your shoeboxes to such as Blythswood Care and Samaritans Care.

Donate unwanted gifts

Before you throw away any unwanted gifts, stop and consider how you can help those in need, why not donate them to a local charity shop in the New Year? This way nothing goes to waste and someone’s happy.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen

There are lots of kind charities who provide hot meals for the homeless over the Christmas period and they’re always looking for volunteers. Care to help? You can simply look up your local soup kitchen online at DoSomething.org.

Make cards for hospitalised children

It’s time to get creative ladies! Get together with your pals to create personalised cards with lots of glitter and sweet messages. Unfortunately, not every child has the privilege of being with their family at home over Christmas, so why not help to make their day.

Organise a non-uniform day

Dig out your funkiest festive outfit and organise a non-uniform day at your school, college, sixth form or university to raise money for another cause.

(All images including Cover photo via weheartit.com /tumblr)