Be a Santa with Home Instead Brighton, Hove and Shoreham

This Christmas, we are collecting donations from generous community members and delivering them to local older people who may be feeling lonely or might not see anyone over the festive period. A small act of kindness can make a huge difference, reminding someone that they are cared for and not forgotten.

Why we do this:

The festive season can be a difficult time for many older adults. While others are surrounded by family, friends or Home Instead Care Professionals, some people in our community spend Christmas alone. The shorter days, colder weather, and sense of isolation can make winter especially hard.

At Home Instead, we understand how loneliness can affect wellbeing. Through the ‘Be a Santa’ campaign, we aim to spread warmth, connection, and a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise feel left out of the celebrations. Every gift and kind gesture helps brighten someone’s day and reminds them that their community cares.

How you can help…

1. Please purchase or bring an unwrapped gift that is small but thoughtful. It may be a new, unwanted item you already have at home. We kindly ask that all donations be new and unused.

2. Drop it into one of our collection boxes.

3. Our Home Instead volunteers will wrap and personally deliver the gifts to older members of our community.

This year, we’ll be sharing gifts with older adults across Brighton, Hove, and Shoreham (not Home Instead clients).

Collection box locations:

• Dobbies Garden Centre, Warren Road, Brighton BN2 9XX
• Home Instead, Waterside House, Portslade, BN41 1UY

The last day for donations is 15th December. Gifts will be collected shortly after this date.

Suggested Gifts:

• Books
• Puzzle, crossword or sudoku booklets
• A comfy throw or blanket
• A nice mug/quality tea/hot chocolate
• A calendar with large print
• Hand or foot cream
• Something reflecting a hobby, e.g. knitting wool, bird feeder, etc.
• Tin of cookies/shortbread/biscuits/fudge

Thank you for your generosity! Together, we can make Christmas a little brighter for those who need it most.