Please note that you can leave off your donations to BCM's HQ building in Glengall Street Belfast between 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.

As one seasonal element of our community work in BCM we provide and coordinate the distribution of presents for children as well as food parcels for families, older people and vulnerable young parents.  Most of these items are donated by individuals, schools, churches and staff in local businesses. 

Last year, with the help of a team of over 100 hard-working volunteers, a total of 3,250 children received gifts of toys while 1,860 food hampers were given to families in need and older people.  We were delighted to be able to help so many families – the widest reach ever for our Christmas programme; unfortunately though this shows that the need at Christmas time is increasing. 

Many families find Christmas a difficult time.  Unstable family-life, changing working patterns, changes to Welfare as well as high levels of unemployment are just a few of the difficulties faced.  For many families, the supposed upturn in the economy is something they hear about on television, but have yet to experience in their local communities. 

Please spread joy this Christmas by donating a toy or item of food.  Suitable items are non-perishable food and gifts suitable for boys/girls aged birth-16. Educational type gifts/toys suitable for ages 1-3 are always particularly welcome as we rarely have enough to meet the demand.  No soft toys and please do not wrap gifts.

BCM’s Director Brian Burns commented on the upcoming Christmas Programme, “We do anticipate there will be more demand for support over the festive period this year. We will as always try to meet the needs of all who apply for assistance. We do however ask the public, local businesses and community groups to think ahead and begin donating now, to ensure we can uphold our ethos and motto of ‘Supporting those who need it most’.  Volunteers and staff at BCM have found that tough economic times often bring out the more generous side of people.”

For more information please see the poster attached below.

Deadlines for donations are:

Food – Wednesday 9th December

Toys – Monday 14th December

Thank you for giving what you can.  If you would like to find out how your office or community group can get involved this year, please contact Julie: jharvey@belfastcentralmission.org or ring 028 9024 1917.