There are advent calendars for everything you can think of these days, not just your standard Christmas picture or chocolate, advent calendars now have gin, beer, make-up, socks, toiletries – The list is endless!
As some people look to luxury, we choose to reverse things with a calendar that gives something back. This is a way to really celebrate the meaning of the festive season by giving instead of receiving.
The idea is simple; instead of opening the door to a chocolate or gift, YOU do the giving and put aside a donation each day.
Throughout November collect your items so that you have a collection of goods ready to drop off at the beginning of December so the charities can distribute the donations in time for Christmas. Get your colleagues, family, friends involved, forward the email and print the list of what’s needed to stick on the box!
What to give?
We are collecting toys, puzzles, art materials, pencils, paper, paints, colouring books, games for kids aged 8 and up, toiletries, gift sets, chocolate bars, Non-perishable food items: Tea, coffee, biscuits, chocolates, squash, juices, long life milk and tinned meat/fish, family packs of crisps, tubs of chocolates, Toiletries: Shampoo, tissues, sanitary towels, tampons, wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes and shower gels.
All of these items will be shared between the 3 charities we are supporting this year Buckland Soup Kitchen, Pompey in the Community and URBOND youth charity
It’s a lovely treat for someone who may not usually receive any Christmas gifts. Many of the toy donations will become gifts URBOND give to the families they support, so no children miss out on presents on Christmas Day.
Other items, like food, and toiletries, will go directly to people in need via the Buckland Soup Kitchen to help their day-to-day lives.
The gift sets will go to Pompey in the Community so the young carers will get a gift this year. All these charities offer drinks and meals to users of their service so donations like coffee, sugar and canned goods really help them keep going.
Thank you! Knowing someone cares is an amazing and very powerful thing!
How to do your reverse advent calendar.
- FIND a box or bag for life and depending on how creative you are – decorate it
- FOLLOW the Reverse Advent Calendar Portsmouth on social media, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on how the campaign is going.
- COLLECT items and let the countdown begin! Tell your friends, colleagues and family, get them involved! Here’s the link to the JustGiving page to find out more.
- CONTACT hayley.wheeler@port.ac.uk or call 07817122005 to arrange drop off of the donations at the drop spot in Cambridge Road Portsmouth PO1 2EF at the start of December
