Be A Santa 2023's Huge Success

2023 saw another successful Be A Santa campaign for Home Instead Sheffield and Barnsley, with over 500 gifts donated for those in need.

Christmas can often be a time where money is tight for many of us.

This is why we are so delighted to announce the huge success of our annual Be A Santa campaign, where an overwhelming amount of people have shown their generosity by donating gifts for vulnerable and elderly persons who may be isolated over the festive period.

Our 2023 Campaign

After last year’s success we set a target of 300… and smashed it, by collecting over 500 wonderful gifts.

Spearheaded by Bea Poole from the operations team, gifts were given to Age UK Sheffield and Age UK Barnsley to distribute, as well as BIADS and Sheffield Mencap.

As people gave so generously, we also were able to donate to Roundabout Sheffield, a charity that supports young people at risk of homelessness.

“My YP was over the moon. I took her loads of stuff so that she had plenty to open this Christmas.” Bev, Roundabout Key Worker

Three people stand by a decorated Christmas tree holding wrapped presents, smiling and looking at the camera. - Home Instead

Festive Joy

“Really? I get to take this home? I haven’t had a present for a couple of years now! Thank you so much.”

“It is so generous, do we all really get one?”

“Wow – there are so many. Are you sure we can take one? Thank you so much.”

– Age UK Barnsley Clients

An elderly woman in a red coat holding gifts stands beside a younger woman in a blue dress with a name badge. - Home Instead

Presents were given and excitedly opened in the BIADS day centre, where older people opened boxes of biscuits, chocolates and warm winter accessories.

They were thrilled to receive some festive joy, and centre staff report there were swift demands to make sure it happens again next year!

Older people at Age UK Barnsley also enjoyed opening their gifts, many of them shocked to receive a gift at all.

An elderly woman in a green and pink outfit sits in a chair, holding a wrapped gift. A side table and globe are nearby. - Home Instead

We would like to say a huge thank you to all our fantastic donors, especially:

  • South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (Barnsley stations)
  • JW Insurance, Barnsley
  • Sheffield Flourish
  • Outram Fields Care Home, Sheffield
  • Liddy’s Solicitors, Barnsley
  • Sheffield United Community Foundation
  • Buttercup Café, Sheffield