Every year, a Richmond-based charity hosts a special Christmas day event from young adults, aged between 18 – 25, who grew up in the care system and may not have any family to spend the big day with.

Cocoon's mission is that no care leaver should feel alone on Christmas Day.

With the help of the local community, Cocoon creates a truly unique and magical experience for these young people each year.

However, this year Cocoon needs local's help.

You can help by donating to support the event, buying a gift for a guest, or volunteering your time.

If you donate between 3 – 10 December, your donation will be doubled by match funding. This can only be done through Cocoon's Big Give Christmas Campaign. 

Donations made outside of these dates can be done via Cocoon's Justgiving page

For those wanting to buy a gift for a guest you can do so via Cocoon's Amazon wishlist, which is a curated list based on what Cocoon's guests said they would love.

If you would like to buy a 'star' gift for a guest worth up to £150, email [email protected]

The charity has also partnered with three local businesses where gifts can be bought:

• Hare and the Moon Cocoon- Care Christmas Dinner – The Hare and the Moon
• Mojo - 43 Church Street, Twickenham, London, TW1 3NR
• Tenderness Skincare - Tendernessskincare at Taplink (click on their Christmas Campaign)

​Sign up to volunteer

Applications are now closed for Christmas Day volunteers. 

​However, you can sign up to be put on the waiting list to volunteer for Cocoon's Wrapathon!, which is on Saturday 21 December in Twickenham.

You just have to select one of the dates below:

9.30am - 11.30am

12pm - 2pm

2.30pm - 4.30pm

5pm - 7pm

To find out more information about Cocoon's events and volunteering opportunities, follow its ​Facebook and Instagram.