Do take action

Christmas Gift Box Appeal

For people living in Derventio Housing Trust’s supported housing, Christmas can be a painfully lonely time. Many residents are starting again after losing their homes, livelihoods, or support networks, and struggle with trauma, poor health, and financial hardship. While others celebrate with family and friends, Derventio’s supported housing residents often watch from the sidelines. As one said,

The worst thing is looking through the windows at everybody else’s Christmas.

You can change that by donating to our Christmas Gift Box Appeal.

Our festive gift boxes bring warmth, comfort, and a reminder that someone cares. Each box costs just £14. Receiving a gift might seem small, but for someone facing isolation, it can lift spirits, reduce loneliness, and help them feel valued and included.

These boxes will go to people of all ages who are working hard to rebuild their lives – engaging in support, addressing health challenges, learning new skills or reconnecting with their communities.

Last year, your generosity helped bring festive cheer to hundreds of residents. The response was overwhelming: residents were surprised and grateful, and staff reported a noticeable uplift in mood and engagement.

This Christmas, make sure no one feels forgotten. Every box is a simple act of kindness with a big impact.

Donate £14 today to give a resident a festive gift box and a reminder that they are not alone this Christmas.

What happens if we raise more or less than our target?

Every pound you give helps us provide Christmas gifts for residents. If we raise more than we need for this appeal, any extra donations will go to Sylvester’s Fund, which supports residents in our supported housing with essential items throughout the year. If we raise less than our target, we’ll use all donations to buy as many gifts as possible within the funds available.

Sylvester’s Fund

Your gift to Sylvester’s Fund will provide direct support and services so that people can make positive changes. Please donate today – and make sure homeless people are given the support they need to transform lives.

We guarantee that every penny directly helps the people who need it most. None of it ends up in our corporate coffers.

• £16 buys an essential birth certificate as ID
• £30 buys a basic phone so people can keep in touch with their doctor, Job Centre Plus and other services and stay connected
• £50 buys a second-hand fridge or a van to transport a donated sofa
• £200 buys household items or appliances so someone can settle into their new home when they move on from supported housing

If you would prefer to donate by post please make cheques payable to Derventio Housing Trust CIC and post it to us at Derventio Housing Trust, Glad Tidings Hall, 33 Boyer Street, Derby DE22 3TB. Please write your name and address on the back of the cheque so we can say thank you.

Donation Fees

We use Localgiving as our fundraising platform. Localgiving provides a secure platform for your donation. For donations under £200, donors are invited to add a voluntary tip to support Localgiving’s service. For donations over £200, a 5% platform fee applies, which is either deducted from your donation or can be covered by you at checkout.

Payment processing fees also apply: the most cost-effective option is a UK debit card (1.9% + 20p per transaction). For example, on a £10 donation using a UK debit card, we receive approximately £9.61 after fees.

You’ll see options during checkout to cover these fees or remove the voluntary tip if you prefer. All fees retained by Localgiving help maintain a secure online donations service. See full fee details here.

Donate now