As the festive season approaches, Key to Life Foodbank is inviting the South Tyneside community to help ‘Make Christmas Special’ for struggling local families and individuals by supporting its 2025 Christmas Appeal.
For many households Christmas brings extra pressure, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. Key to Life is determined that no child or family in the borough should go without warmth, food, or a few small gifts to unwrap this year.
Last year, thanks to generous donations from the public, the foodbank supported over 170 families, delivering nearly 400 gifts for children and young people and a similar number of emergency food parcels to those facing hunger and hardship.
“Every year we see families who have to choose between heating and eating and Christmas only adds to that strain,” said Jo Benham Brown, Business Development and Communities Manager at Key Community. “Our appeal is about more than gifts and food; it’s about giving people hope, connection and the reassurance that they’re not alone this festive season.”
“We know times are tough for so many,” added Ms Benham Brown, “but even the smallest act of kindness – a toy, a tin of food, or a few pounds – can make an enormous difference. Together, we can Make Christmas Special for those who need it most.”
How to help
Key to Life is asking for donations that bring comfort and joy to those most in need. Items requested include:
- Festive foods and Christmas treats to accompany emergency food parcels (no alcohol)
- New and unwrapped toys and gifts for children aged 0-16
- Gift vouchers for older children and teens
- New or excellent quality pre-loved children’s onesies and dressing gowns
- Gift bags and wrapping paper
To ensure gifts reach families before Christmas, donations should be made by Friday 28 November.
Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, at Key to Life Foodbank inside Boldon Lane Library (NE34 0LZ) or to the crew on board Key Community Bus.
For those unable to visit in person, the charity has set up an Amazon wish list featuring a selection of children’s gifts which can be ordered online and delivered direct to Key.
How Families Can Apply for Support
Families with children aged 16 and under who would like to receive support with Christmas food and gifts can apply online here. Deadline for applications is Friday 28 November with gifts allocated week commencing Monday 9 December on a collection-only basis.
Ways to Give Financially
Supporters can also make a direct donation to help fund festive food, gifts and vital essentials:
- Online: keycommunity.org.uk/donate
- By cheque: Payable to Key Community and posted to 116 Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BA.
- By bank transfer: Please transfer to Key Community at Unity Trust Bank, Sort code: 60-83-01, Account no: 20071815.
- By text: Text YULE followed by any whole pound amount between £1 and £20 to 70450 to give that amount (e.g. YULE10 to donate £10). Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message)
Donations can also be Gift-Aided to boost their value by 25%. A downloadable Gift Aid form is available on Key’s website.
Lend A Hand, Send A Card or Donate in Lieu
Christmas is the busiest time of the year for Key to Life and extra volunteers are always welcome. If you’d like to spend a few hours ‘elfing out’ – helping sort donations, pack food parcels or wrap gifts – please DM the Key to Life Facebook page or call 07833 613 393 during opening hours.
Supporters can also send Charity Christmas cards and ecards through Making A Difference Cards. Every card purchased makes a donation directly to Key Community for the Christmas Appeal – a perfect way to share festive cheer and give back at the same time. Visit gb.makingadifference.cards and select ‘Key Community’ as your chosen charity.
Alternatively, if you choose to donate in lieu of cards or gifts, you can download a branded graphic from Key’s website to share with your loved ones digitally or on your social media to let people know about your donation.
For more information about Key to Life’s Christmas Appeal: keycommunity.org.uk/christmas-appeal