The CNJ’s sleigh will go out just before Christmas

IT’S not even December yet, but Jingle Bells is playing in supermarkets and decorated pine trees have been installed in train stations.

Are you sick of Christmas already? For some, that sickness only worsens as the highly anticipated day gets nearer and nearer.

We’re talking about older people sat inside on their own while everyone else is out celebrating. Single parent families struggling to afford a small gift to give their children. The sick and injured spending the holiday period recovering in hospital.

CLICK DONATE TO HELP THE APPEAL

It is for people like this that we run our Hamper Appeal for. Every year, our kind-hearted readers nominate who is in need of some festive joy and our team of Santa’s elves hand deliver baskets filled with goodies to your chosen person.

But we couldn’t deliver so many hampers along with your warm wishes without the generous donations we receive each year. This support is more essential during these tough times, and there are so many ways you can support us – either by donating directly if you’re able to or by organising your own fundraising event. This can be an easy – and fun – way to help and bring together your friends, colleagues and family members.

Does your sports club host an annual Christmas dinner where you could collect some donations? Or perhaps your office party could be a chance to show your generosity – you could organise a whip-round, a quiz, or a friendly fundraising competition with your colleagues.

Maybe your children’s Scouts group is looking for a cause to support this Christmas, or for the sports-inclined, you could do a sponsored run or even abseil down a building.

Is your choir singing carols this festive season? Why not shake a bucket and collect pennies for our Hamper Appeal. Could your school, college, or local pub rally together to lend a hand?

Let us know if you’d like to fundraise for us by emailing editorial@camdennewjournal.co.uk