How one local nursery sparked a wave of kindness across Southampton
What does community spirit look like through the eyes of children? At Southampton City Day Nursery, part of the Family First group, it’s handmade, joyful, and full of generosity. This December, the children, families, and team embraced the spirit of giving through FOUR heartwarming initiatives.
How Southampton Day Nursery is giving back this Christmas
First, the nursery team collected thoughtful items for babies, parents, and families in neonatal care, creating Christmas stockings to bring festive cheer to those spending the season in the hospital.
Second, as part of Elf Day, the nursery hosted a Christmas fayre and raised £146for the Alzheimer’s Society, supporting families affected by the condition and spreading Christmas happiness.
Third, the children hand-made and personalised Christmas cards, which they delivered to South Haven Lodge Care Home, bringing smiles and festive cheer to residents and team members alike.
Finally, instead of a traditional Secret Santa, the nursery partnered with City Social Services to provide gifts for children in need. An incredible 26 gifts were donated, ensuring that even the most vulnerable children in Southampton could experience the magic of Christmas.
Wendy Godwin, Wellbeing Officer at Auren Care, said the initiative gave the residents "the most wonderful time".
“Thank you so much for bringing the children. The team and residents had the most wonderful time, and all the children were just delightful. We hope to see them again soon – they are always welcome.”
Lizzy Pennell, Nursery Manager, said: “It means so much to all of us at Southampton City Day Nursery to support our community in ways that truly make a difference. Coming together to give, to connect, and to spread kindness reminds us what the festive season is really about, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team.”
Through their partnership with City Social Services, the nursery has ensured that even the most vulnerable children in Southampton can experience the joy of Christmas, highlighting the nursery’s longstanding commitment to the local community and the values Lizzy has championed throughout her 25+ years in early years education.
How families and the local community can give back this Xmas
Whether you’re a parent, a supporter, or someone discovering our nurseries for the first time, we’d love for you to be part of this year’s efforts to give back. There are lots of ways to get involved and help make the season brighter for families in need:
- Support your local nursery’s initiatives, from Bake Offs to community projects.
- Share our campaign with friends, family, and your wider community to help kindness go even further.
Every act of generosity, no matter how big or small, helps bring warmth, joy, and hope to families this Christmas. Together, we can create a season full of kindness, connection, and community.
At Family First Nurseries, we put families at the heart of everything we do.