Volunteering Opportunities at Christmas Time

Published on: 16 Nov, 2023
Updated on: 16 Nov, 2023

At this time of year, Voluntary Action South West Surrey, at its office in Castle Street, Guildford, receives enquiries from people who want to help out and volunteer their time during the Christmas period.

It has compiled a list of opportunities currently being offered by organisations and charities it supports and gives advice to, across the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley.

Real Change Guildford (charity helping homeless people and rough sleepers)

Volunteers needed to wrap Christmas presents for shoppers who are asked to make a donation to Real Change Guildford charity. Venue: White Lion Walk shopping centre, Guildford, on December 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24, 11am to 4pm each day. Volunteer as much time as you can spare.

Send an email with your availability to d.rose@vasws.org.uk or phone 07825 419408.

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Volunteers needed to help sort children’s Christmas presents, valuing the presents and grouping them by age and gender.

Monday, December 4 to Friday, December 8 (excluding Tuesday, December 5) and Monday, December 11 to Friday, December 15.

Times flexible and just a couple of hours as and when you are available would help.

Email Michelle at michelet@swsda.org.uk or apply via Voluntary Action South West Surrey MyImpactPage – Christmas help…… (betterimpact.com)

Hale Community Centre

Hale Community Centre, Farnham, requires volunteers on Christmas Eve between 4pm and 9pm to help with its Community Fridge.

Email to office@halecommunitycentre.org.uk

Tel: 01252 722362.

Website: www.halecommunitycentre.org.uk

Farncombe Day Centre

Volunteers to help serve Christmas lunches in the run up to Christmas. Call Tanya or Annette on 01483 426685. Email: info@farncombebdaycentre.org.uk

Momentum Children’s Charity Magic Moments

Momentum Children’s Charity Magic Moments Christmas Support Crew help families of seriously ill children enjoy some Christmas magic.

It has a variety of festive roles including Santa and helpers to support with a magical grotto, alongside the more practical but no less important tasks of car park attendance, marshalling, leaflet distribution, raffle ticket sales and general

It is looking for enthusiastic, friendly, trustworthy people who enjoy being in a group with other like-minded people. Depending on the event, you will need to be happy to withstand all weather conditions and being on your feet for extended periods. Flexibility, self-motivation, and the willingness to motivate others are all great traits for our Christmas Support Crew.

Apply via Voluntary Action’s website’s Better Impact portal: MyImpactPage – Magic Moments Christmas Support Crew 2023 (betterimpact.com)

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices

Volunteers are need for leaflet dropping in certain local area postcodes. The charity is organising a fundraising used Christmas tree collection and the leaflet drop can be anytime now until January 7.

The ask is as much or as little as people can offer and the area postcodes are: GU1, GU2, GU3, GU4, GU7, GU21, GU22, GU24.

For details, contact Tracy Sgambellone, Volunteer Co-ordinator – hospice and fundraising, usual working days Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Tel: 020 8783 2000. Mobile 07794 073921. Email: Tracy.Sgambellone@shootingstar.org.uk

The following charity shops also require volunteers

Oxfam charity shop, 32 High Street, Godalming. Tel: 01483 42441 – volunteers needed every day.

Oxfam book shop, High Street. Guildford. Tel: 01483 504257 – volunteers needed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Phyllis Tuckwell charity shop, Godalming (may also be opportunities at other branches) – volunteers needed every day. Contact Voluntary Services by phone, call: 01252 729400 or email Voluntary.Services@pth.org.uk

British Heart Foundation charity shop, White Lion Walk, Guildford 01483 575190 – volunteers needed every day.

New Ashgate Gallery, Waggon Yard, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PS. Customer service volunteers always needed. Send an email to outi.remes@newashgate.org.uk or phone 01252 713208.

For general volunteering opportunities at any time, click here for Voluntary Action’s website.

For help and advice on volunteering, send an email to volunteer@vasws.org.uk

Its volunteer centre office at 39 Castle Street, Guildford GU1 3UQ is generally open on Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 4pm.

Its windows also have posters and flyers offering lots of volunteering opportunities.