For most people Christmas is a lovely time to spend with family at home. But for some in Liverpool the reality is very different. Being homeless is difficult at any time of the year, but Christmas is a particularly challenging and emotional time. Can you help make Christmas a little better?

The Whitechapel Centre works with people experiencing homelessness every day of the year - last year we worked with 4,800 individuals - an increase of 9%.  We try to make Christmas a little better for anyone who is sleeping rough by offering a warm welcome, Christmas lunch and a gift. We'll also be distributing gifts and Christmas treats to over 900 people around the city. For many, this will be their first Christmas without their own home.  
 
We can only do this because of the kind donations we receive. We’re running a Christmas appeal with several ways to support us – volunteer, donate gifts, buy Christmas cards or virtual gifts, or support us financially. You can help us continue our work this Christmas and give people the hope and opportunity to change their lives throughout the year.

Please give if you are able to. Thank you.

Donating goods

We have a specific Christmas Wishlist for our gift bags for the men, women and children we are supporting:

We can also provide donation bins for any school, church or business who would like to organise a collection. 

​If you are bringing donations it really helps our planning if we know what is on its way. You can call on 0151 207 7617 or email our fundraising team to find out what we are most in need of.

​We also have a much longer wishlist of items we need all year round.

​​Last day for food donations is Monday 15th December 2025.

Volunteering

Christmas is the busiest time of year for us, and it’s incredible how all our local communities come together and want to support us during this time.  A lot of people are really passionate about coming in and volunteering with us over Christmas.

Every year, we have a dedicated team of seasonal volunteers, our Christmas Elves, who help us in the run up to the big day – this includes help with sorting and receiving donations, putting together festive food parcels, and delivering donations between our different sites.

Apply to be an elf

Make a donation:

Keep in touch
£10 pays for internet connection for a month so clients can contact family, welfare services and employment opportunities 

Christmas Day 
£25 provides a gift and Christmas food hamper for someone staying with us on Christmas Day

Welcome Pack
£50 could buy a home starter kitchen kit for someone moving into their new home.

set up a direct debit:

Examples of how your donation can help:

£5 a month – buys work boots and safety gear to help someone back into work
 
£10 a month – could buy new boxer shorts and socks for someone who has slept rough
 
£25 a month – funds emergency food & toiletry packs for people in temporary accommodation

Please support us with a single or regular donation.

DONATE BY TEXT

Text 'WHITECHAPELXMAS 5' to 70085 to donate £5.

This costs £5 plus a std rate msg. Alternatively, you can opt to give any whole amount up to £20. Thanks!