One off role - Christmas Appeal - Gifts for children's hospital ward 2026

We are collecting Christmas gifts (unwrapped) for those in hospital on behalf of Sophies Legacy charity. 

• In terms of items we’re particularly looking for this year, we would be incredibly grateful for:

  • Fidget toys and sensory toys
  • Gifts for teenagers, such as diamond art, older style colouring books etc
  • Costa and Amazon vouchers
  • LEGO
  • Play-Doh
  • Men’s and women’s toiletry gift sets

These are all things that can make a real difference to children and families spending time in hospital, particularly over the Christmas period.

All donations need to be dropped off to us at Portsmouth Central Library by Monday 7 December, unwrapped please. 

About the charity:

Sophie Fairall was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, at age 9 in September 2020. Despite undergoing intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she relapsed and passed away at age 10 in September 2021. Sophie’s Legacy was created to honor her memory and the changes she wanted to see.

Whilst we are working trying to achieve national change for Sophie’s wishes (see the legacy tabs) an important ethos of the charity is to support families locally who end up in hospital with their child. The support varies depending on each situation. We tend to offer the following on a referral basis:

​- Help with transport costs (fuel vouchers, bus or train passes or taxis)

- Clothes when admitted in an emergency with their child

- Birthday parties in hospital for children and parents

- Emotional support

- End of life wishes for children and their families

- Vouchers for meals at the hospital restaurant or shops such as M&S

- Costa vouchers

- Beauty treatments such as nails, haircut or back massage when a parent needs it – this tends to be for the parents in for long stays.

Please check your junk email folder in case any emails end up there.  Friendly reminder that the charities/organisations emails may end up here too. 

Don't forget you can add up any volunteering hours as part of Team 100 Opportunity - Hive Portsmouth or part of the Donate 100 things challenge Opportunity

What skills do I need?

Be able to donate gift(s) unwrapped by Monday 7 December. 

unwrapped and like new please 

Location

This opportunity has no specific location e.g. can be carried out anywhere.