Question 1

Can I buy gifts for children/older people instead of donating money?

Accepted Answer

Yes of course! Thank you so much for thinking of this and we would be thrilled if you can donate brand new, gender neutral toys/gifts that aren't too bulky or big as this will allow us to pack them more easily.   We have set up wishlists with Amazon and local bookshop Lutyens and Rubinstein to help with inspiration. Any items from here will be automatically sent to our partner ogranisation SMART where gift packing will take place.    If you would like drop off toys/gifts you have bought, please bring them to SMART at the following address:    FAO: Amelia Mustapha  The Basement, 15 Gertrude Street, Chelsea, London, SW10 0JN.   We have however also been fortunate to buy toys from a wholesaler and have had support from Smyths so if you can, please consider donating directly to our appeal as this will mean your donation goes further and can help fund other essential items such as food and gifts for older people.

Question 2

What kind of gifts would you like?

Accepted Answer

If you're buying toys for children and young peole, please keep them gender neturuel as far as possible as this will make it easier on us when creating the hampers.    We have a Amazon and local bookshop Lutyens and Rubinstein wishlist you can buy from if you would like inspiration.    Items for teenagers such as black beanies and gloves would be well received.

Question 3

What happens to the money if you raise over the target?

Accepted Answer

Any funds in excess of what is needed for this project will be allocated to projects that alleviate food insecurity in Kensington + Chelsea.

Question 4

How do you know who's vulnerable or in need of help?

Accepted Answer

We are working directly with specific organisations who will refer those at risk of food poverty in Kensington + Chelsea: Schools in K+C are helping us to sign up families in receipt of Free School Meals and those at risk of food poverty.  AGE UK K&C are identifying elderly residents who are isolated and in need. Frontline services across Kensington + Chelsea are referring residents they are supporting who would otherwise go without this Christmas. Local NHS Trusts are helping to identify people they work with, particularly families who are more difficult to reach. Voluntary and Community Sector organisations are referring residents they have identified who may have slipped through the net provided by the organisations above.

Question 5

How can I register for a hamper for myself or someone I know?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at hello@kcchristmascollective.com with as much information as possible about the requirements and we would be delighted to help you.

Question 6

Do you need volunteers?

Accepted Answer

Yes!    The work of the K+C Christmas Collective could not be done without the work of the incredible volunteers who donate their time and Christmas cheer to help pack our hampers and then look after our Collection Hubs.  ​ There are three volunteer opportunities:

1. Packing Christmas Hampers on 11-17 December. Please select the times and dates you are available in the PACKING section of our form.

2. Delivering Christmas Hampers from SMART to one of the collection hubs on 13-18 December. This requires you to have a vehicle. Please select the times and dates you are available in the DELIVERY section of our form.

3. Organising Collections on 19-21 December at one of the collection hubs. Please select the times and dates you are available in the COLLECTION section of our form. ​ If you would like to volunteer, please sign up using this form.  ​

Question 7

Are you a registered charity?

Accepted Answer

The K+C Christmas Collective is a group of local, registered charities working together to help spread Christmas cheer across K+C.   The three main charities involved though are:   K+C Foundation - Registered Charity Number 1125940 SMART London - Registered Charity Number 292787 Age UK K&C - Registered Charity Number 1082658   The Kensington + Chelsea Foundation help look after our fundraising and marketing efforts as they are a well-respected, trusted organisation within our community who are brilliant at distributing funds quickly and effectively.   SMART London and Age UK K&C help with the logistics of the Collective as between them they have links to some of our community's most vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

Question 8

Can you claim gift aid on my donation?

Accepted Answer

If you are a UK taxpayer, then yes we can claim gift aid on your donation. Donating through Gift Aid means charities like us can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra. Our online donation page will ask you whether you want to claim Gift Aid on your donation and if you are eligible, we would be grateful if you could tick the box. This allows us to make your donation go even further without any extra cost to you. If you would prefer not to donate online but would still like to support our cause, then please contact Morag Smith at the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation and she will be happy to advise the best way of supporting us and claiming Gift Aid.

Ensuring our neighbours have full tummies and warm hearts this Christmas!

K+C Christmas Collective

FAQ

K+C Christmas Collective

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