Spread joy in your community at Christmas and beyond

As festive lights twinkle from front rooms across Portsmouth and we wrap gifts and plan Christmas get-togethers, for some the true spirit of Christmas is in the acts of kindness that connect us all.

Whether you’d like to volunteer with a local charity, you have had a clear out and want to donate food, clothes or toys, or would like to help by spreading the word across the city.

We’ve put together a list of ways you can help others and spread Christmas joy around your community in 2025 and beyond by volunteering or donating.

HIVE Portsmouth

A central hub connecting people to advice, support, and volunteering opportunities across the city. HIVE coordinates festive volunteering roles, donation drives, and community support projects, especially during Christmas. Together in HIVE is their volunteer recruitment team. They advertise different volunteering roles in and around Portsmouth on behalf of other non-profit organisations and groups.

How to volunteer:
Visit the Together in HIVE Portsmouth volunteer pages to browse and apply for a wide range of local opportunities. You can filter by your interests, availability, and skills. Registration is simple and you’ll be matched with roles that suit you.
Email volunteercentre@hiveportsmouth.org.uk or call 023 9400 7124

Moving On Project Portsmouth (MOPP)

A charity helping Portsmouth families experiencing financial hardship, furnish their homes.

How to volunteer:
MOPP is entirely volunteer run. To get involved, email enquiries@moppcharity.org or call 023 9355 3005. You can also visit the MOPP website for more details, or drop by their charity shop at 27-29 Kingston Road, Fratton, Portsmouth.

Spark Community Space

SPARK Community Space is a local charity, working to reach those who feel they have been left out or left behind. They welcome anyone who feels that they have been pushed aside or overlooked by society, perhaps because of long term illness, redundancy; lack of skills or disability and race. Spark gives people a place to belong, to be part of a community of support

How to volunteer:
Fill out the application form on their volunteer page. Volunteers must be 18+ and provide two references. After applying, you’ll be contacted for an informal interview.
Email info@sparkcommunityspace.co.uk or call 023 9338 2929

The Elizabeth Foundation

The Elizabeth Foundation facilitates early diagnosis for babies and preschool children with all degrees of deafness and provides comprehensive educational and support services for them and their families.

How to volunteer:
Opportunities include fundraising, admin, and event support. Visit their website to find out more Volunteer – The Elizabeth Foundation for Preschool Deaf Children or contact them directly – you’ll find contact details on their website Contact – The Elizabeth Foundation for Preschool Deaf Children

Rowans Hospice

Rowans is a charity providing free care and support to adults in our community who have a life-limiting illness and their families.

How to volunteer:
Apply online for a variety of roles including patient support, gardening, admin, retail, bereavement support via the Hospice Volunteer | Rowans Hospice

Portsmouth Hospitals Charity

Supports patients and families at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, with Christmas appeals to ensure every patient receives a gift.
Website: portsmouthhospitalscharity.co.uk

How to volunteer:
Visit the PHU volunteering page to see current roles and apply. Volunteers must commit to at least three hours a week for six months.

The Salvation Army Portsmouth

Runs Christmas volunteering and donation drives, including meal preparation, gift wrapping, and community events.
Visit their website: salvationarmy.org.uk/volunteer/christmas-volunteering

How to volunteer:
Register early for Christmas volunteering (meal prep, gift wrapping, events) via the Salvation Army Christmas Volunteering page or contact your local Portsmouth branch directly.
More information.

Home-Start Portsmouth

Supports families with young children, especially those facing difficulties. They run Christmas donation appeals for local families.

How to volunteer:
Complete the “Get Involved” form on their volunteer page. Volunteers support families at home or help run Stay & Play groups. Training and ongoing support are provided.

Connors Toy Libraries

Supporting families and helping children thrive through play. They offer a welcoming and inclusive environment where families can access a wide range of quality toys, resources and support.

How to volunteer:
Help at community toy library sessions or donate toys. Contact Connors Toy Libraries at 023 9283 2926 or visit their volunteer page.

Community champions

Community champions are volunteers who share helpful information about health and wellbeing with people in their area. This could be with neighbours, friends, family or workmates.

Find out how to volunteer.

Donate to food banks

Food banks will be happy to accept donations of food or money. Every donation makes a difference.

Donate food items to a food distribution organisation like Trussel Trust, Neighbourly via the donation bins usually found at checkouts in many supermarkets across the city. You can also make a financial donation.

Find information about how to donate food and toiletries to the Portsmouth Foodbank, including a shopping list of items needed.

Donate a coat

Got a coat you don’t need? Drop it off. Need a coat to stay warm? Take one. Donate unwanted, clean coats to the Community Coat Rack at Central Library, Guildhall Square. You’ll find it by the library main entrance.

Donate to a pantry or larder

Pantries and Larders rely on donations to provide affordable groceries to residents in need.

Find contact details for Pantries and Larders in Portsmouth

Donate to the Stroke Association

The Stroke Association have requested supermarket vouchers or help towards heating costs for the people they support. This helps stroke survivors to free up money for other essentials and can make a huge difference to those struggling.

You can donate to the Stroke Association online, or view contact information for Portsmouth’s branch

Donate to the HIVE school uniform share store

The Uniform Share Store helps families across the city by getting children and young people kitted out in their school uniform. It’s great for the environment and the pocket.

As well as school uniform, the store is accepting World Book Day outfits and donations can be dropped off at the HIVE desk in Central library.