Christmas is Coming: Volunteer at Grand Union BID
The festive season is nearly here, and we're getting ready to spread some serious cheer. We’ve got a sleigh-full of exciting events lined up and we’d love for you to be part of them.
Multi-company volunteer day at Essendine Primary School
Join us on Wednesday 3 December as we spread festive magic at Essendine Primary School in North Paddington. There will be a morning and afternoon volunteering session, and we’re looking for 25 colleagues to join us for each part of the day.
Essendine Primary is a delightful one-form entry school in North Paddington, set within a striking Victorian building. Like many schools in the area, it faces significant challenges - from high levels of deprivation and a declining pupil roll to a growing number of children with special educational needs. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with them for a day of meaningful support; creating fun, inclusive spaces that are sensitive to cultures and pupils’ sensory needs.
Essendine has been a fantastic friend to Grand Union BID, regularly welcoming volunteer teams throughout the year. By coming together to support the school this festive season, we’re not only helping to brighten the holidays for their pupils, we’re also saying thank you for the warmth and generosity they’ve shown our community.
What’s Happening on the Day?
Volunteers will help transform the school into a winter wonderland, with activities including:
- Festive reading sessions with pupils
- Seasonal craft workshops
- Decorating the school Christmas tree and reception area
- Creating joyful spaces for pupils to enjoy, including transforming a school office into a magical grotto
Want to Sign Up?
We’d love to have you join us for this festive day of volunteering at Essendine Primary. If you’d like to take part, simply click the button below and let us know whether you’d prefer to join the morning session or the afternoon session.
Spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot!
Christmas Gift Drive
We are excited to launch our donation and wrapping drive on behalf of Westminster City Council’s Health Navigator team, who work tirelessly to support families facing significant hardship across the borough. Many of the families they work with have children aged 0–5, and are living in temporary accommodation, often without access to stable housing, outdoor space, or basic resources. For many, this winter will mean choosing between heating their homes and buying essentials—let alone gifts.
This Christmas, we’re aiming to collect 200 presents across four age groups to help bring a little joy to those who need it most. To ensure the gifts are appropriate, equitable, and culturally sensitive, we’re working from a curated list developed in partnership with the Health Navigator team. This helps us avoid duplication, ensure age suitability, and make sure every child receives something thoughtful and meaningful. The gift registry will be shared soon but will include gifts such as age-appropriate picture books, sensory toys and wooden educational toys.
Do look out for dates for wrapping sessions – coming soon. Plenty of Christmas Elves will be needed.
How You Can Help
Click below to let us know if you would like to receive the gift list straight to your email as soon as it’s available.