AS Christmas draws nearer more and more people become inclined to do a little bit of good for their fellow man.
There are plenty of national charity campaigns shown on television or featured in the national media but there are also plenty of local organisations and charities which desperately need some support this Christmas to keep up their vital work.
The first Local Charities Day, which has been set up by the Government, will take place on Friday to celebrate the unique value they bring to communities.
Localgiving, an online fundraising and support organisation for local charities, is supporting the day by running its 24-hour #GiveMe5 match fund campaign, which will double 1000 £5 donations made online via Localgiving.org
Charities which may benefit from the Local Giving Scheme include Age UK Essex, which provides support and services to older people across Essex, DIAL Basildon and South Essex, which is based in Basildon and provides free advice to disabled people, and Look Essex, which provides services for visually impaired children and families throughout the county.
Rob Wilson MP, Minister for Civil Society said: “Every day thousands of people around the country working in small, local charities are volunteering their time, expertise and goodwill to help improve the lives of others in our communities.
“On Friday we will be leading the first-ever Local Charities Day, shining a spotlight on all of this fantastic work and celebrating the dedication and commitment of those involved.
"We want to highlight the small community groups and charities that are making a real difference to people’s lives and celebrate the unsung heroes working to improve their local neighbourhoods.”
Stephen Mallinson, Localgiving’s chief executive added: “Research has shown that one in two people who don’t give to local charities say the main reason is that they are unaware of them.
“Local Charities Day is therefore a great opportunity for more people to connect with their community and find a local cause to get involved with.
“Every £5 given on the day will make a real difference!”
Donate at Localgiving.org. Twitter #LocalCharitiesDay
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