Be A Santa brings smiles!

Spreading Christmas Cheer: Home Instead’s “Be A Santa” Campaign

With the festive season fast approaching, the team at Home Instead is launching its heartwarming “Be A Santa” campaign, bringing together local school children and the wider community to share the spirit of Christmas with older people who may be lonely or isolated. Through the generosity of Pocklington Infants and Pocklington Juniors, and the caring support of Home Instead, this initiative aims to collect thoughtful Christmas gifts that will truly make a difference.

Why “Be A Santa”?

At the heart of Home Instead’s work is a commitment to companionship care, emotional support, and building relationships, not just delivering tasks. Their local team specialises in companionship visits, helping older adults to remain connected, valued, and supported.

Yet, the holiday season can be especially difficult for those who live alone or who feel disconnected. Home Instead’s “Be A Santa” campaign recognises this by turning celebrated tradition into a powerful act of kindness, bridging generations and communities.

Partners in Giving: Local Schools Join In

This year, Pocklington Infants and Pocklington Juniors have generously taken part in the initiative. Pupils are invited to donate small, meaningful gifts that can bring a smile to an older person’s face. Whether it’s a warm blanket, a box of chocolates, or a heartfelt card.

The energy and goodwill of the children are at the heart of the campaign.  Their enthusiasm not only brings joy but also helps raise awareness about loneliness in older age. For many young pupils, this may be their first time thinking about the challenges older generations face, turning Christmas giving into a valuable learning moment.

Who Will Receive These Gifts?

Thanks to the generosity of the school community and Home Instead, the collected gifts will be shared among three incredible local organisations:

• Butterflies Memory Loss Support Group
  Butterflies is a vital charity that supports people living with dementia and their carers. Their monthly social gatherings, day trips, and luncheon clubs provide connection, purpose, and much-needed peer support. A Christmas gift from a child may sound small, but for someone living with memory loss, such a gesture can light up their day and reinforce that they are remembered and cared for.
• Eternal Benefits
  Based in Hull, Eternal Benefits is a charity working in some of the city’s most underserved communities. Their mission covers food poverty, emergency help, social isolation, and more. Among other services, they run a pay-as-you-like café, warm spaces, and support for older people. Donated gifts will help them bring festive cheer to those accessing their Good Neighbour Fund, food larder, and other community services.
• The Salvation Army
  The Salvation Army has long been a pillar in the community, offering care, support, and belonging to people of all ages. Through this campaign, Home Instead hopes to help the Salvation Army reach older individuals who may be isolated, ensuring they feel valued and included during the festive season.

The Impact of Giving

• Combating Loneliness: These gifts are more than just physical items; they’re symbols of company, remembrance, and compassion. Even a simple present can help someone feel seen and appreciated.
• Building Community: By involving children, Home Instead encourages intergenerational empathy. The children are learning early on about kindness, generosity, and social responsibility.
• Supporting Charities: With three dedicated local partners, the campaign channels resources directly to organisations that already know and support older people in vulnerable situations.

How the Campaign Works

1. Gift Collection: From now until mid-December, drop-off boxes will be placed at the schools, and at the Home Instead offices in Molescroft and in Pocklington.
2. Sorting and Wrapping: Volunteers from Home Instead help sort gifts, make sure they’re age-appropriate, and wrap them if needed.
3. Distribution: The gifts are then distributed to Butterflies, Eternal Benefits, and The Salvation Army, who will ensure they reach older people who especially need warmth and connection this Christmas.

How You Can Help

• Spread the Word: Share this campaign on social media or with friends. The more people who know, the more gifts we can gather and lives we can touch.
• Donate: If you’d like to donate a small gift, please pop in on ring us on 01482 231145.