You know the song: “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…” But this December, we're asking for something different. Not partridges or gold rings, but tinned potatoes and washing powder. Items that help local families celebrate Christmas without hunger.
Last winter, between December and January, we gave out 25,632 meals, supporting 2,848 people, including 1,058 children. This year, demand is rising again. Families across North Bristol and South Gloucestershire face impossible choices between heating their homes and putting food on the table. They shouldn't have to make that choice, especially at Christmas.
Our twelve most needed items
We've created a Christmas wish-list of the twelve items we need most right now: download our wish-list here. These aren't luxuries, they're essentials that bring dignity and joy to families in crisis.
The list includes Christmas goodies to make the season special, washing powder for fresh school uniforms, larger size nappies for growing babies, cooking sauces to turn simple ingredients into celebratory meals, and staples like UHT milk, fruit juice, tinned fruit, tinned rice pudding, sponge puddings, savoury crackers, washing up liquid, and tinned potatoes.
Planning to drop off a food donation?
Please complete this form to help us plan for receiving food donations at this busy season:
Time is running out
To process donations in time for Christmas, we need them by Friday 5th December. That gives us three weeks to get them to families who need them. Check our map of local donation points to find your nearest drop-off location.
If you're planning a collection at your workplace or church, start now. Every item makes a difference.
Prefer to donate money? Our Big Give Christmas Challenge runs from 2nd to 9th December, with all donations matched through match-funding. Your gift goes twice as far.
Together, we can help families celebrate Christmas with dignity. Thank you for being part of the solution.
