Reverse Advent Calendar 2024

Make your Christmas giving more meaningful this year with our Reverse Advent Calendar initiative.

Last year, North Bristol & South Gloucestershire Foodbank provided 25,000 emergency meals during December and January, and we anticipate even greater need this winter. Our Printable 2024 Reverse Advent Calendar makes it easy to participate, whether you’re joining in as an individual, family, workplace, or community group.

What is a Reverse Advent Calendar?

A reverse advent calendar flips the traditional concept – instead of receiving a daily treat, you give one.

Starting in November, add one item each day to a box or bag, following our suggested list of most-needed items. By early December, you’ll have gathered 24 essential items that will help ensure local people have enough to eat this winter.

Food banks need donations early to sort and distribute them before Christmas, which is why we start in November rather than December. It’s a simple but powerful way to support people facing hardship in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

How to Get Involved

Getting started is simple. Download our calendar, print it out, and create your advent doors using the template provided on the back page. Each day in November, check which item is needed and add it to your collection box. You can collect items at your own pace – some people prefer to shop for everything at once, while others enjoy the daily routine of adding one item.

Once you’ve completed your collection, you can find your nearest donation point here. Please drop off your items in early December to ensure they reach people in time for Christmas.

Make it a Group Activity

Turn your reverse advent calendar into a community effort! Why not get your workplace involved by placing a collection box in the office and taking turns to add items? Schools can make it an engaging learning experience about community support, with each class contributing different items. Faith groups and community organisations might consider coordinating larger collections among their members.

It’s a wonderful way to make a bigger impact together, while spreading awareness about food poverty in our community.

Why Your Support Matters

As fuel costs continue to rise, more people in our community are facing impossible choices between heating and eating. While food banks provide vital emergency support, we’re working towards a future where they’re no longer needed. Your donations help us provide both immediate relief and contribute to long-term change.

Each item you donate becomes part of a nutritionally balanced three-day food parcel, helping local people through their toughest times. Last winter, we provided 25,000 emergency meals across North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and we expect this winter to be even busier. Your support ensures no one in our community goes hungry.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for daily updates on our most-needed items throughout November. Download your Printable 2024 Reverse Advent Calendar today and join us in supporting our community this winter. Together, we can make a difference.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Thank you!

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