Unleash Your Inner Elf and Help us to Bring Joy to People Spending Christmas in Hospital 

This Christmas, around 2,000 people across Northamptonshire will spend Christmas Day in hospital. While the season is all about family and togetherness, many people will be too unwell to go home, and some won’t receive visitors. Even those with loved ones nearby can still feel alone. That’s why we’re bringing back our much-loved Northamptonshire Elf Service to spread festive cheer to people spending Christmas in hospital.

Although Christmas might seem a little way off, it’s never too early for us to start planning ways to make it special. We’re asking our community to join us by donating, or organising festive fundraising events. Whether it’s holding a carol concert, a bake sale, Christmas jumper day or any other creative fundraising ideas that tickle your tinsel! 

Every year we hear from staff and patients about how the gifts provided thanks to you, our supporters, bring the joy of Christmas to their hospital stay. For example, Linda, who spent last Christmas in hospital after major surgery, told us:  

“Even though I had my husband and son, I woke up on Christmas Day and still felt quite lonely. When I opened the gift box, I cried. It was beautifully wrapped in green tissue paper, with socks, chocolate mints, and a pack of cards. My husband and I played cards that very evening. It was overwhelming to know people cared.” 

Her story reminds us how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. These gifts bring warmth, connection, and comfort to people at a difficult time. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of you, our supporters, we’re able to deliver carefully curated gift boxes that make Christmas a little brighter for people in hospital. Each box is: 

  • Suitable for all wards and ages 
  • Filled with safe, thoughtful items
  • Designed to spread comfort and joy 

This year, we hope to reach more than 2,000 patients and around 2,900 NHS staff across the county. 

How you can get involved 

  • Fundraise: Organise your own festive fundraising event. 
  • Donate: Just £10 provides a festive gift box for a patient. 

We are also excited to announce that our ever-popular Raffle of Joy is back! And the prizes are bigger and better than ever. By entering you will be in with the chance to win fantastic prizes in time for Christmas.  

Together, we can make sure no one feels alone this Christmas.
Visit nhcharity.co.uk/elf to join in.