Be a Santa with Home Instead Lewes District & Uckfield

Each Christmas, we collect donations from our generous community and deliver 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 and friends, 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’s gifts will be shared with older adults in the Uckfield community and the surrounding areas.

Collection Box Locations:

• Ridgewood Village Hall, Uckfield TN22 5TG (taking donations until 10th December)
• Home Instead, Suite 5, Ash House, The Broyle, Ringmer BN8 5NN (taking donations until 10th December)
• Staverton Nursery Ltd, Eastbourne Road, Halland BN8 6PU (taking donations until 10th December)
• Wealden Volunteering, 79 High St, Uckfield TN22 1AS (taking donations until 10th December)
• Tesco, Bellfarm Road, Uckfield TN22 1BA (taking donations until 28th November)

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!