A Bigger and Better Campaign for 2026
Following feedback from supporters, Delivering Hope has been redesigned to make participation easier, more accessible and more impactful than ever before.
This year's campaign launched earlier, giving organisations more time to engage colleagues and plan activities. New resources and communication materials will help businesses promote the campaign internally, while a wider variety of activities means there is something for everyone, regardless of budget, time or experience.
At the heart of the campaign is a commitment to making a real difference through simple acts of generosity.
Parcels of Hope
Formerly known as Bags of Hope, Parcels of Hope is the campaign's festive donation drive.
Businesses, employees and supporters are invited to donate:
- Selection boxes
- Boxes of biscuits
- Tubs of chocolates
These items will be collected from participating businesses from 30 November and transformed into festive parcels for local community groups.
To help prepare the parcels, volunteers are invited to join festive wrapping sessions at 42 Tower Street on:
- 1 December
- 2 December
- 8 December
Businesses are encouraged to send volunteer teams to support these sessions and help spread a little festive cheer.
Warm Coats for Hope
Winter can be particularly difficult for individuals and families struggling to stay warm. The Warm Coats for Hope campaign gives unwanted coats a second life by redistributing them to people who need them most.
From 1 October to 23 October, Leicestershire Cares will be collecting clean, good-quality pre-loved:
- Men's coats
- Women's coats
- Children's coats
Collections and drop-offs will take place during the week of 26-30 October.
A donated coat can make an enormous difference during the colder months, providing warmth, comfort and dignity to someone facing hardship.
Knit November
Creativity and community come together in Knit November.
Throughout November, individuals and workplace teams are encouraged to knit, crochet or hand-make scarves for people experiencing hardship during the winter months.
The scarves will be distributed to local food banks and homeless shelters, helping recipients stay warm during the coldest season of the year.
Businesses can support the campaign by:
- Hosting their own "Knit and Natter" sessions
- Encouraging colleagues to create handmade items
- Joining weekly knitting sessions hosted by Leicestershire Cares
Warehouse knitting sessions will take place every Wednesday throughout November from 11am to 1pm, and businesses are warmly invited to participate.
Donations will be collected alongside the Parcels of Hope campaign.
Festive Challenges
This year, Delivering Hope will also offer a range of Festive Challenges, giving Leicestershire Cares business members fun and engaging ways to support local communities.
From fundraising activities to volunteer-led events and festive wrapping sessions, organisations can choose activities that best suit their workforce and resources while making a positive impact.
Introducing Soap for Hope
New for 2026, Soap for Hope focuses on collecting much-needed toiletries and hygiene products for individuals and families experiencing hardship.
During January, businesses and supporters will be encouraged to donate:
- New toiletries
- Essential hygiene products
- Unused gift sets
Collection boxes will be delivered to participating businesses during the Parcels of Hope campaign and collected during the first week of February. Donations will then be distributed to community groups and food banks by 14 February.
For many people, access to basic hygiene products can be a significant challenge, making these donations both practical and invaluable.
More Than a Campaign
Delivering Hope is much more than a seasonal appeal. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved when businesses, public sector organisations and communities work together.
Every parcel donated, every coat collected, every scarf knitted and every volunteer hour given helps create stronger, more connected communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
With more opportunities to get involved than ever before, Delivering Hope 2026 aims to deliver not only practical support, but also hope, kindness and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.
Get Involved
Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, knit, fundraise or take on a festive challenge, your support can help make a meaningful difference this winter.
To find out more or register your interest, please contact claire@leicestershirecares.co.uk.
Together, we can deliver hope this festive season.