Gifting with purpose this season

The festive season at Catching Lives

The festive season is upon us with all the shopping frenzy this brings, from Black Friday to secret Santas to Christmas markets. We’re asking supporters to take a moment at this busy time to consider gifting with purpose. 

Purchase with purpose 

Why not double the impact of your purchase? Give someone a gift they’ll love and that also benefits a charity. You might visit the Catching Lives bookshop for second-hand books, Crooked House totes and notebooks, or Christmas cards featuring artwork by people experiencing homelessness. Or pick up a Canterbury calendar from Calendar King in the Christmas Market. 

Donate your spare gifts   

We prepare Christmas gift bags for the people we support, so how about taking advantage of all those 3-for-2 offers by donating the third item to Catching Lives? Check out our Christmas wish list for ideas – shower gel or deodorant sets, warm socks and sweet treats are always appreciated. Drop off to the day centre on Station Road East any day 9am-4pm. 

Spread some cheer this Christmas Day 

The Catching Lives day centre will be open on Christmas Day, offering a warm space with breakfast and a full Christmas lunch in cheerful company. It costs £8.50 for one person’s main meal plus a hot breakfast sandwich on Boxing Day, cover the cost via our Winter Appeal: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/winterappeal25  

Recycle and re-gift 

We welcome donations year-round, including sleeping bags and tents, weather appropriate clothes and footwear, warm socks and hats, and packs of new underwear. Check out our Christmas list and the regularly updated donations wish-list to see what we need. Please call in advance or anything bulky as we’re limited on space, and bear in mind we don’t take toys or bric-a-brac, thank you!  

Thank you for your continued support.

Sign up to the Catching Lives newsletter here.