What Is a Reverse Advent Calendar? How to Start One
TL;DR: In a reverse advent calendar you add one item to a box each day of December instead of taking a treat out, then donate the full box to a food bank or shelter before Christmas. Ask your local food bank what it needs most before you start.
A reverse advent calendar means adding one item to a box each day of December and donating the box before Christmas, usually to a food bank or shelter.
How to start
- Choose a sturdy box and decorate it.
- Contact your local food bank first to ask what they need and their collection deadlines.
- Plan to drop it off around mid-December so the items reach families in time.
Commonly requested items
- Tinned meat and fish
- Tinned vegetables and soups
- Pasta sauce
- Long-life milk
- Breakfast cereal
- Tea and coffee
- Toiletries: toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo
- Sanitary products
- Nappies and baby wipes
- Festive treats such as mince pies or chocolate
Avoid
Out-of-date food, home-made food, opened packets and alcohol, unless the organisation says otherwise.