I want to volunteer at Christmas | Oxfordshire Homeless Movement

Volunteer for Christmas 2024-25

Take a peek at the lovely openings below and get involved. Many of our partners offer longer term openings in our current volunteering opportunities list. This is always updated regularly so do also check there while checking out the Christmas-only opportunities below.

Special appeal for the winter ahead

OWNS' Oxford Winter Night Shelter supports and offers sanctuary to people in Oxford city who are homeless; to help them live a fuller life in some of the coldest months of the year. In such situations, shelter can save lives. OWNS is dependent on volunteers to manage and deliver this service. The volunteer sessions can be split into three shifts a night.

Winter Night Shelter QR Code Link OWNS delivers dormitory style accommodation seven nights a week during January through to March. Typically, the accommodation is in church hall/community centre buildings. OWNS are now actively recruiting and training volunteers who are 18+ for the 2025 Oxford Winter Night Shelter.

If you would like to volunteer please:

email night shelter management to request an application pack by post, or
apply online (see the QR code).

(See the poster.)

Monday, December 9th & Tuesday, December 10th

Oxford : ACT—Aldate's Community Transformation Initiatives—are having some Christmas hamper packing for the local community. Email outreach to find out more. (St Aldate's Church, central Oxford.)

Christmas Day

Oxford : Oxford Christmas Lunch seek volunteer drivers to transport guests, host them at table and then drive them home—includes a free Christmas meal, at The King's Centre. They especially always need more minibuses and licenced drivers. Guests include refugees, the elderly, homeless, those with mental health issues, those in food poverty, those who want to celebrate Christmas with others, families with children, and more. Most years there are around 500 diners. To book a place and transport, or to volunteer, contact Sara or call her on 07535 314716. (King's Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES.)

Oxford: OX4 Free Festive Lunch at Flo's Cafe are looking for people to help set up, tidy away or bake something to share. Please call/text 07732 298282 or email their team.

Abingdon: Peachcroft Christian Centre now have enough general helpers for their Christmas Roast Lunch. (Roles range from chatting to guests and helping them feel welcome, safely storing belongings, delivering meals to tables, directing people in from the car park, helping to set up and then helping to tidy away at the end. People are asked to arrive from 12.00 noon to help with the preparation. If you just want to go at the end to clear away when those who have been there throughout are tired, this also helps.) (To book a place for the meal, use the same number.) (Peachcroft Christian Centre, Lindsey Drive, Abingdon, OX14 2RT.) christmaslunch24@peachcroftcc.org or phone Kay 07787 629198.

Christmas at the Peachcroft Centre poster, details for which are in text on this webpage.

Bicester: (May have enough volunteers.) Help folk in Bicester enjoy a Christmas Lunch from 12-4pm on a "pay what you feel basis". To donate or volunteer, email bicesterchristmaslunch@gmail.com or speak to a volunteer at the Open Doors Cafe. (Venue: Open Doors Cafe, Bicester Methodist Church, Sheep Street, Bicester, 0X26 6JQ.)

Didcot: Help Didcot folk enjoy a free Christmas lunch from 12-4pm on Christmas Day. Call Anna on 07789 428795. They especially want to hear from volunteers who would otherwise be alone themselves this Christmas day. (Venue: Didcot Baptist Church, 43 Wantage Road, OX11 0BS.)

Thame : Help the Community Christmas Lunch from 12.30-2.30pm. Full Christmas lunch and pudding (no alcohol), and free entertainment. Call 07885 911200‬, use their WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. You can also email communitychristmasthame@gmail.com. Volunteers collect guests. (Venue: Masonic Hall, central Thame.)