6 Ways to Help Families Who Are Less Fortunate

We’ve been inspired by Ellie and Aunt Miranda’s kindness. Here are six ways you can get involved in making a difference.

1.       Donate Food

Did you know that thirteen million people in the UK live below the poverty line? The Trussell Trust has over four hundred foodbanks across the UK and partners with local communities to help stop UK hunger. Next time you go to the supermarket, encourage your child to think about what others may go without and help them pick out items to donate.

 The Trussell Trust accepts donations of non-perishable and in date food. You can contact your local your food bank to find out what items they need and help contribute to a food parcel for another family. Find your local foodbank through the Trussell Trust here.

2.       Sponsor a Child

Six hundred million children live in extreme poverty globally today. Compassion UK is a Christian Charity that connects us with children living in poverty through sponsorship. Helping to show every child that they matter, you can sponsor a child for just 83p per day, giving them a hope and a future. Helping your sponsored child go to school, receive medical check-ups and support from their local church community, you can encourage your child to engage with global issues whilst writing letters and sending pictures to the child you’ve sponsored.

More information on sponsoring a child can be found here.

3.       Christmas Present Appeal

Every Christmas, we are all so blessed with the knowledge of the amazing gift God gave us. We also get to unwrap gifts! But so many children throughout the UK may not receive a Christmas present or know of the precious gift of Jesus. Encourage your child to think of others over the Christmas season by picking out something special for another child. The Salvation Army runs a Christmas Appeal until mid-December collecting new unwrapped toys and gifts to give out in the local community.

You can find more information on the appeal and nearest Salvation Army Centre here.

4.       Volunteering

There is nothing better than encouraging your child to help others and there are so many opportunities for volunteering. If there is a particular cause your family is passionate about, contact your charity of choice to see if they offer any family volunteering opportunities with younger children. The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) charity offers a variety of volunteering opportunities to help improve local green spaces the whole family can enjoy.  From visiting your local community group, joining a Green Gym or signing up to small projects, your child can learn the importance of looking after God’s creation whilst becoming a part of their local community.

More information about TCV can be accessed here. 

1. 5.       Make your garden wildlife friendly

Our gardens are often our place of rest and family fun, but many of God’s creatures use our gardens for their home. There are many ways children can encourage wildlife to thrive in their gardens. From putting food out for the birds to making a home for hedgehogs, the RSPB and the Wildlife Trust offer a range of activities the whole family can enjoy.

You can access activities here.

6.       Pray

The importance and effectiveness of prayer is one of the most powerful lessons you can teach your child. Sit down with your child after reading We’re Hungry Too and reflect on the issues the author brings to light. Understand your child’s thoughts and encourage a time of prayer for people less fortunate and the wildlife of our world.