As the festive season comes into full swing and people plan activities and shopping, Buckinghamshire Council is asking residents to get into the true spirit of Christmas and think about what they can give back to their local community to ensure everyone has an enjoyable festive season.

From donations to your local food bank or community fridge to volunteering time to support a local community initiative, there are lots of easy ways people can do something small that can make a real difference to those less fortunate.

There are many ways you can help:

• Donate gifts or money to collections such as the Inspire Bucks Christmas Gift Appeal which distributes new toys and gifts to local children and young people in need
• Donate items to your local food bank or community fridge
• Donate to the Heart of Bucks together against poverty appeal
• Volunteer your time to a local initiative. Community Impact Bucks runs a volunteering matching service that allows you to match your skills and time commitment to the volunteering opportunities available, including those within Opportunity Bucks areas.
• Become a Buckinghamshire Food Champion and collect Christmas donations for your street or local area - Set up a food collection point on your street (Food Champions) | Buckinghamshire Council

There are lots of other ways you can help others. Take a look at the council website for more information: How you can help others | Buckinghamshire Council

Arif Hussain, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Christmas is traditionally a time for giving and so we are asking all those who are able, to think about what they can do to give to support others in their community. The smallest act can make such a difference. Just looking in on an elderly or vulnerable neighbour can give a lift to someone living on their own. We know that Buckinghamshire has a strong community spirit and with cost of living pressures still impacting people, it’s important that those of us who are in a position to help, try to do what we can to support others, so everyone can enjoy the festive season.”

If the cost of living pressures are affecting you visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living