'Be a STAR – Make a real difference to someone this Christmas'

Campaign by The Salvation Army

This Winter, thousands of people will turn to The Salvation Army for help in over 650 communities across the UK. We will be doing all we can for them, whatever their circumstances and this is where we need you.

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Closes 31/03/2026

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The Salvation Army is a Christian Church & registered Charity working in 130 countries worldwide and is one of the largest and most diverse providers of social welfare in the world. In the UK and Republic of Ireland this work includes more than 800 Salvation Army social service centres and Community churches. We provide unconditional friendship, support and very practical help to people in crisis and need and work with children, homeless people, all adult victims of modern slavery and those dealing with drug and/or alcohol addiction. Alongside our work in the UK, The Salvation Army International Projects Office works with communities around the world to support and empower them to defeat poverty and injustice. Our development projects are created and implemented in partnership with communities to enable them to build a better life and future for themselves. The Salvation Army is a Christian Church & registered Charity in England (214779), Wales (214779), Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399)

Story

How you can help.

At Christmas, more than any other time, The Salvation Army works tirelessly for people in need.

We work to help people like Caroline and this is her story:

“We had a Christmas when we never expected we would.

After escaping an abusive relationship and facing homelessness with her five children, Caroline was at her lowest point. With just three days to pack up their lives, social services moved the family over 100 miles away to stay safe in a women’s refuge.

Eventually, they arrived at a Salvation Army Lifehouse.

“The day we moved in, we moved into a ready-made home,” Caroline says. “It was daunting, of course, but I could instantly feel our new life was beginning. All the beds were made, we had toiletries, pots, pans — everything we needed. We felt safe.”

That Christmas, Caroline was preparing for nothing more than a quiet day without gifts — just the safety of being together.

“I told the children there wouldn’t be any presents. I felt like I was letting them down.” But then, The Salvation Army stepped in.

“They gave each child a sack of gifts — a big toy, small toys, stocking fillers. You couldn’t even see our floor! I had never seen generosity like it. We had a Christmas when we never expected we would.”

Through wraparound support for domestic abuse, homelessness and mental health, Caroline has found stability. Now, she and her children are starting a new chapter in a home of their own — with continued support from The Salvation Army.

“I don’t know where I’d be without The Salvation Army. I’m finally looking forward to the future — the only way is up.”

With your support we can help more families like Caroline’s

Your donation can help to provide:

- A safe place to stay for someone fleeing domestic abuse

- Christmas gifts and meals for children who might otherwise go without

- Dedicated support workers to help people rebuild their lives

To start your BE A STAR journey and to help more people like Caroline, click 'Start Fundraising' on the right-hand side of this page to set up your JustGiving page, and follow the on-screen instructions. If you have any questions at all, please pop us an email at challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk and a member of the team will get back to you.

Thank you for being a fundraising star this Christmas and helping those in need during these difficult times.

Donation summary

Total
£1,272.00
+ £166.75 Gift Aid
Online
£792.00
Offline
£0.00
Direct
£0.00
Fundraisers
£1,272.00

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