THE ESSEX COMMUNITY ADVENT CALENDAR IS BACK FOR 2025!

Let's celebrate the countdown to Christmas together.

Each day, discover and appreciate one of 24 incredible local charities dedicated to supporting people of all ages and needs.

Join us for 24 days of gratitude, giving and community spirit.

Be part of this celebration of local kindness!

What to do?

1. Help raise awareness

2. Donate if you can

What to be aware of:

1. OPTIONAL platform fees when donating. The platform applies an automatic but OPTIONAL 17% fee which goes to them, not the charities. You have to actively amend the amount on the 'custom' button - and you can type in anything from zero up. The amount you choose to type in is only visible to you.

2. I will not share your details with any of the charities. Once this campaign is closed, all contact details I hold will be deleted.

3. The donation window will close on 15 January 2026 and the amount raised will be split equally between the 24 charities and distributed in the week of 20 January 2026 or as soon as the platform allows.

4. This is not a professionally organised campaign. Do not expect whizzy graphics or videos. Please enjoy it for what it is and for the part you have played in raising funds for and awareness of local causes.

5. There are over 3000 registered charities on The Charity Commission website operating in Essex. There are so many deserving local causes and it will be hard to choose 24. People and local is the focus with nominations coming from across the county.

6. The 24 will only be revealed one day at a time. We cannot refund you if you object to a charity choice or your preferred charity has not been included in the Advent Calendar - so please donate small at the outset if you are worried - and top up your donation at the end as you wish! Every £1 helps. If you have a preferred charity - then perhaps just donate directly to them this Christmas instead?

7. If between now and 15 January 2026, circumstances change e.g. a charity drops out, folds, is under investigation etc, then the monies raised will be split equally between the other charities.