Courtney Pochin
Published December 2, 2025 5:44pm
Updated December 2, 2025 5:45pm
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There are plenty of ways to help those in need this Christmas (Picture: Rudy’s Pizza)
On December 25, many of us will wake up with presents under the tree or hanging in stockings.
But not everyone will have a gift waiting for them this Christmas, as the cost of living crisis continues to batter families across the UK.
You could help make a difference though, this giving season – and you might even get something back in the process, aside from feel-good festive cheer.
A number of businesses in London are partnering with charities to run donation schemes throughout the month to help support those in need.
Here’s a look at how you can get involved…
Donate a toy, get a pizza
You can get a free pizza at Rudy’s if you donate a toy (Picture: Rudy’s Pizza)
Rudy’s Pizza has teamed up with Cash For Kids to run a festive toy swap for children aged four to 17.
All you have to do to get involved is take a brand new, unwrapped toy worth at least £10 into one of Rudy’s pizzeria’s between 12pm and 5pm. Once there you can exchange one toy for one free pizza.
The swap is running until December 4 and the free pizza is only available for dine-in and takeaway, not delivery.
A maximum of two toys can be exchanged per visit, and no cash alternatives or substitutions are available.
Currently Rudy’s has eight locations across London, in Clapham Common, Westfield, Queensway, Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Tottenham Court, Soho and Fairgame in Canary Wharf.
Spread Christmas cheer at Lidl and festive joy at Dunelm
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If you’re popping into Lidl to grab some milk and bread, consider taking a toy with you to donate or buying one while you’re there.
The retailer has launched Toy Banks in its stores where customers can donate unopened toys and gifts – these can be everything from stocking fillers to bigger ticket items.
Through store partnerships with charities, food banks and community groups, Lidl has vowed the items will be given to children in the local area this Christmas.
And you can also give back while shopping at Dunelm this December, as they’ve brought back their popular Delivering Joy scheme. As part of this, customers can take a gift tag featuring a description of a person in need of a present. You then go off and buy or make a gift for that person, and drop it back off at Dunelm to be delivered. Cash donations are also accepted.
But only take a tag if you are certain you can give a gift, as each tag represents a real person.
Give your pre-loved coat to someone facing a harsh winter
Your old coat could make a difference this Christmas (Picture: Getty Images)
Wrap Up London is back for its 15th year in 2025, as Hands On London collect pre-loved warm coats to help those who are homeless or struggling this winter.
Collections are running until December 7 with various drop-off points located all over London, including at major train and Tube Stations on November 6.
Once all the donations have been made, the coats will be distributed to charities. Last year this included homelessness organisations, women’s refuges and family centres.
Find your nearest drop-off point here.
Sing some carols, to raise funds for London ambulances
(Picture: Getty Images)
The London Ambulance Charity is hosting an evening called Together in Song, which will be its first-ever Carol Service on Tuesday, December 2025. Expect sing-alongs, stories and seasonal treats on the night.
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The event will be taking place at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, on December 16 and doors open at 6pm.
Everyone is welcome and tickets start from £5 for children (12 and under) and £10 for adults.
Your voice could make a real difference as all money raised will go to fund life-saving equipment across the capital.
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Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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