Charitable Giving: How to Make a Real Difference in Our Community

Ever wonder what a single gift can do? At Holy Family Catholic Church in Patchway, even a modest donation can help a family, fund a school supply drive, or support a local shelter. The feeling of knowing you’ve helped someone is worth more than the amount you give.

Why Giving Matters

Giving isn’t just about money. It’s about showing solidarity, building trust, and keeping our neighbourhood alive. When parishioners pitch in, they create a ripple effect – one family gets a meal, that family helps a neighbor, and the whole area feels stronger. It’s a simple way to live out the values we hear each Sunday.

Easy Ways to Give Today

Here are three no‑stress ways to start:

Monthly Offering: Set up an automatic £5‑£10 donation. It spreads the cost and adds up quickly.
Charitable Trust: If you have a larger estate, consider a charitable trust. It can reduce tax, keep control of how funds are used, and last for generations.
Volunteer Time: Hands‑on help at food banks or after‑school clubs costs nothing but your time, and the church often organizes shifts.

All three options show up in our recent posts – from “Most Trustworthy Charities” to “How to Set Up a Charitable Trust”. They give you real steps, not vague advice.

When you choose a charitable trust, think about the pros and cons. The upside is tax relief and the ability to direct money exactly where you want – maybe a new playground or a scholarship fund. The downside? Setup costs and the need for a trustee who understands the rules. Our guide “Charitable Trust Advantages and Disadvantages” breaks it down in plain language.

If setting up a trust feels over the top, start small. Our church runs regular “community outreach” events where volunteers pack care packages for the homeless. A quick tip: avoid items like heavy blankets that are hard to carry; instead, include toiletries, socks, and non‑perishable snacks. The post “Homeless Care Packages: What to Avoid” explains why.

Want to know which charities actually make a dent? Check out the “Most Trustworthy Charities” list – it ranks groups based on transparency, impact reports, and community feedback. Picking a high‑rated charity means your money goes farther.

Finally, make your giving visible. Share a short story on the church bulletin board or during mass. When others see real results – a new classroom, a renovated garden – they’re more likely to join in.

Ready to start? Pick one of the ideas above, set a small goal, and watch how quickly it adds up. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps Holy Family Patchway stay a place where faith meets action.

Gareth Sheffield

Charitable Remainder Trust: How Money Management Works and Who's in Charge

Ever wondered who actually manages the cash in a charitable remainder trust? Take a deep dive into the people, duties, risks, and best practices behind trust money management.