Peabody's annual 'elves' campaign brings festive cheer to hundreds of households

With a mission to brighten Christmas celebrations for as many households as possible, the campaign saw 500 food and toy vouchers distributed to households across London and the south east.  

Colleagues from across Peabody participated by personally reaching out to residents and delivering the news that they would receive the vouchers.  

In addition, 61 festive hampers were dispatched to various care and support schemes, hostels, and refuges, bringing seasonal cheer to multiple communities. The hampers contained festive treats like chocolates, biscuits and mince pies. 

And in Essex, Peabody’s outreach team delivered more than 75 food hampers to people across the county. 

Peabody’s community hubs also played a pivotal role in supporting this year’s ‘elves’ campaign by hosting a range of engaging Christmas events for residents. 

The not-for-profit housing association’s commitment to helping communities extends beyond the festive season; it is offering ongoing support through various initiatives throughout the winter.  

This year, the introduction of 'cosy corners' in select community centres is providing welcoming spaces for all residents, where they can get a hot tea or coffee, charge their phones or get advice and support.  

To help those experiencing food insecurity, Peabody is directing residents to local food banks, with its own Darwin Court Food Hub in Southwark offering free food parcels to all Peabody residents on designated days.  

The organisation is also continuing its annual wellbeing visits, ensuring residents aged 75 and over are warm and well during the colder months. 

Sahil Khan, Peabody’s Director of Community Strategy, Partnerships, and Funding emphasized the organisation's commitment to supporting communities during challenging times. “The winter can be difficult for many people, and we want residents to know we’re here to help them as much as possible,” he said.  

“From our ‘Peabody elves’ sending out Christmas vouchers and parcels, to our ‘cosy corners’ offering warmth and respite, we’re doing all we can to ensure everyone who needs support gets it.” 

The ‘elves’ appeal was made possible by support and donations from Peabody’s corporate partners including (alphabetically):  

• Advanced Building
• Axis
• Berkeley Homes
• Boostworks (who supplied the vouchers)
• J A Steele and Son
• JCS Garden Cleaning Ltd
• Just Ask Estate Services
• KBH Builders
• LMAC Group Ltd
• Mulalley
• PRP Architects LLP
• Purdy
• RGE Services
• Trowers and Hamlins
• VINCI Facilities

Find out more information on the extra support Peabody is giving communities this winter.