This Christmas, the Eastern City community is coming together to support Providence Row, a local charity that has been helping people affected by homelessness and vulnerability in East London since 1860. Through a series of initiatives, events, and volunteering opportunities, we’re encouraging everyone — residents, workers, and visitors — to give back and help make a difference this festive season.

Pay It Forward – Donate a Meal
The Pay It Forward campaign invites everyone to donate a hot meal to someone in need this winter. Each poster across the Eastern City features a QR code that links directly to Providence Row’s donation page, making it easy to offer support with just a quick scan. Every donation helps provide a warm, nourishing meal for someone experiencing homelessness — a simple act that can make a world of difference during the colder months.

Clothing and Hygiene Donations
In addition to donating meals, you can also contribute essential winter clothing and hygiene products to Providence Row. The charity is currently in need of new underwear and plain undershirts, along with hats, scarves, gloves, and heat patches to help people stay warm.
Mini-sized hygiene products are also greatly appreciated, including shower gel, shampoo, soap, lotion, razors, deodorant, and towels.
Donations to Providence Row’s Food Programme — such as pasta, rice, tea, coffee, biscuits, and bottled water — and Art Club supplies like paints, brushes, paper, and clay are also warmly welcomed.

These small items go a long way in restoring dignity and comfort for those rebuilding their lives. You can find the full donation list on Providence Row’s website or by scanning the QR code on the posters.

Volunteer Opportunities
For those who wish to get more hands-on this winter, Providence Row offers a variety of volunteering opportunities that give individuals and corporate teams a chance to connect directly with the community.

• The Breakfast Challenge – Every Monday morning (7:45–10:15am), volunteers help prepare and serve breakfast to up to 30 clients, offering a warm meal and friendly conversation to start the day.
• Art Club – Every Wednesday morning (9:45am–12:15pm), volunteers join creative sessions that help clients express themselves through art, fostering confidence and connection.
  Both activities provide meaningful ways to support Providence Row’s life-changing services while building stronger community ties.

Providence Row x Round Retail Pop-Up Shop
This year also marks the launch of the Providence Row x Round Retail Pop-Up Shop, located at One New Change, EC4M 9AF, and supported by Cheapside BID.
The shop features a curated collection of stylish, pre-loved clothing — giving shoppers the opportunity to buy sustainably while supporting a vital cause. A portion of proceeds from every purchase goes directly towards funding Providence Row’s services, helping people affected by homelessness find stability and hope.

Volunteers are also welcome to get involved in the shop — assisting customers, curating displays, or simply sharing Providence Row’s story with visitors. It’s a fun, social way to make a meaningful contribution during the festive season. Sign up to volunteer here

Providence Row Carol Service – A Celebration of Hope and Community
To round off the campaign, Providence Row invites everyone to the annual Carol Service, a beautiful evening of reflection, music, and festive joy in the heart of the City.
Led by Rev Dr Jan Nowotnik, with music from The Providence Row Singers, the service will bring together friends, partners, and supporters to celebrate the season of hope, peace, and community spirit — all in support of Providence Row’s work with people affected by homelessness.

📅 Date: Tuesday, 9 December 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00pm
📍 Location: St Mary Moorfields, 4–5 Eldon Street, London EC2M 7LS

Attendance is free, but booking is essential. You can reserve your place by scanning the QR code on the invitation or by visiting www.providencerow.org.uk/carolservice25

Get Involved
Whether you donate a meal, contribute warm clothing, volunteer your time, or attend the Carol Service, every act of kindness helps bring comfort, dignity, and hope to someone in need this Christmas. Together, we can make the Eastern City a place where everyone feels supported and cared for.

👉 Learn more and get involved at providencerow.org.uk.