Be a Santa with Home Instead Lewes District & Uckfield
Help bring joy to an older person this festive season!
A small gift can make a big difference this Christmas
This festive season, Home Instead Lewes District and Uckfield is once again inviting local residents and businesses to get involved in our ‘Be a Santa’ campaign, helping to bring some Christmas cheer to older people who may otherwise go without a gift.
Through the generosity of our local community, we’re collecting thoughtful presents to distribute to older adults across Lewes District and Uckfield, particularly those who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation.
Whether it’s a cosy blanket, a favourite treat or a book to enjoy, even the simplest gift can make someone feel remembered, appreciated and cared for.
Bringing our community together at Christmas
Christmas is often a time for family gatherings, celebrations and togetherness. However, for some older people, the festive period can feel very different.
Living alone, missing loved ones or having limited opportunities to socialise can make this time of year particularly challenging.
At Home Instead Lewes District and Uckfield, we believe that everyone deserves to feel valued and connected, especially at Christmas.
Our ‘Be a Santa’ campaign is about much more than giving presents. It’s an opportunity for our wonderful local community to come together, share a little kindness and remind older people that someone is thinking of them.
Alison Scutt, Owner and Director of Home Instead Lewes District and Uckfield, says:
“Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to show kindness and look out for one another, but we know it can also be a particularly lonely time for some older people. Through our Be a Santa campaign, we hope to bring a little happiness to those who may not otherwise receive a gift. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who gets involved, whether by donating a present or helping us spread the word. It’s a lovely reminder of what we can achieve when our community comes together.”
How you can get involved
Taking part couldn’t be easier!
- Choose a thoughtful gift. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Something small, practical or comforting can bring a great deal of joy. We kindly ask that all gifts are new, unused and unwrapped.
- Visit one of our collection points. Simply pop your gift into one of our designated donation boxes before the deadline.
- We’ll take care of the rest! Our Home Instead team and volunteers will collect, wrap and arrange for the gifts to reach older people in our local community in time for Christmas.
Where to donate your Christmas gifts
We’re grateful to the local businesses and organisations helping us make this year’s campaign possible by hosting collection points.
Our 2026 collection locations:
- Home Instead Lewes District & Uckfield, Suite 5, Ash House, B2192, Lewes BN8 5NN
- Staverton Nursery, Eastbourne Road, Halland, Lewes BN8 6PU (If donating at Staverton, please choose and purchase your gift in-store before placing it in the designated Be a Santa collection box. Unfortunately, gifts purchased elsewhere cannot be accepted at this location.)
- Wealden Volunteering, 79 High St, Uckfield TN22 1AS
Please donate your gifts by Friday 11th December 2026 to allow time for collection, wrapping and distribution before Christmas.
Need some gift inspiration?
If you’re wondering what to donate, here are a few ideas that could brighten someone’s Christmas:
- Books, novels or large-print reading materials
- Crossword, wordsearch or sudoku puzzle books
- Cosy blankets, scarves or warm socks
- Mugs with tea, coffee or hot chocolate
- Large-print calendars or diaries
- Hand creams or small pampering gifts
- Knitting supplies, craft materials or hobby-related gifts
- Biscuits, shortbread, chocolates or other festive treats
Every donation, however small, is appreciated and will help make the festive season a little brighter for an older person.
Thank you for helping us spread Christmas cheer!
The success of ‘Be a Santa’ depends on the kindness and generosity of people in our community.
Whether you’re donating a present, encouraging friends and family to get involved or helping us spread the word, your support means so much.
Together, we can help make Christmas a time of warmth, kindness and connection for older people across Lewes District and Uckfield.
Thank you for being a Santa this Christmas!