Join the Leicester Hospitals Volunteer Service on Wednesday 27 November for a special gift-packing day at DMU and help bring festive cheer to around 3,000 patients this Christmas. Register to volunteer by Friday 31 October, using the details below.
The Volunteer Service works with Leicester Hospitals Charity to provide a gift to every adult patient spending Christmas in hospital, and this year it's inviting DMU colleagues and students to help pack the presents that will be distributed across the local NHS trust’s wards over the festive period.
This is the first year the Volunteer Service has opened the packing day to partners such as DMU, creating an opportunity to give back to our community while supporting a decade-long tradition of bringing a bit of Christmas magic to patients during a difficult time. A separate to collect gifts for children in hospital.
Sunita Patel, Head of Leicester Hospitals Charity, said: “Each year, our dedicated volunteers visit all the wards over the festive period, making sure every patient receives a gift on Christmas Day – ensuring that every adult inpatient has a small gift to let them know that the community is thinking of them. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are proud to be able to fund this year-on-year.
“Coming together to pack gifts, is a wonderful example of how partnership and generosity can make a real difference to people's lives. We hope to see you there. Thank you to De 天美传媒 University for the opportunity to take on this activity on campus. We are incredibly grateful to everyone for joining us to help bring festive cheer to patients spending Christmas in hospital.”
What's involved
Volunteers will spend the day on campus packing gifts at The Venue@DMU. All gifts and packing materials are provided, and Chartwells will supply tea, coffee and biscuits during the day.
When: Thursday 27 November, 8.30am–5pm (with a 45-minute lunch break)
Where: The Venue@DMU, Hall 2
Time commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to the full day where possible
What to bring: Your own packed lunch, or you can purchase food on or off campus during the lunch break
Who can take part
This opportunity is open to DMU students and staff (everyone taking part must be aged 18 or over). Individuals and groups are welcome. Please tell the organiser the details of who's interested in taking part (see below).
DMU staff must get their line manager's approval before registering. Subject to the needs of the university, colleagues can take up to three days per annum paid time off, pro rata, for approved volunteering activities (see section 5 of the DMU Special Leave Policy).
Students should volunteer only if they have no timetabled sessions to attend.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please let the organiser know when you register.
Photography and videography will take place during the event for use by both DMU and Leicester Hospitals Charity. You can opt out of being included in this if you prefer.
How to sign up
Email asiya.parekh@nhs.net by Friday 31 October with:
- How many people from your group want to volunteer
- Names of all volunteers from your group
- Any accessibility requirements
For questions about the event, contact Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Corporate Fundraising Officer, Asiya Parekh, at asiya.parekh@nhs.net.
Posted on Friday 17 October 2025