AN ALTERNATIVE Secret Santa is being run by a
neighbourhood-sharing website, Streetbank, this Christmas.
People are being asked to donate or swap goods with neighbours
this Christmas at street parties or at get-togethers.
Streetbank was set up in 2010 by a member of the congregation of
St Paul's, Hammersmith, Sam Stephens, and it has surged in
popularity, winning funding from the Cabinet Office this year to
expand further.
The aim of the project is to cut waste and build a sense of
community, particularly in cities where people are less likely to
get involved with neighbours. It has been listed in the top 50
websites in the UK, and praised by the Prime Minister for
encouraging people "to play a more active role in society".
It now has more than 23,000 members. Mr Stephens, who runs the
project full-time, said: "Streetbank Santa is a different way to be
generous this Christmas - a really simple way to bless your
neighbour without getting caught up with the busy consumerism of
shopping."
He suggests simple swaps,such as DVDs or childrens' toys.