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A foodbank has launched a reverse advent calendar appeal ahead of a challenging Christmas for thousands of families.
Dover Foodbank is making a special appeal to people, organisations, schools and businesses for donations to help feed local people in crisis particularly over the coming festive season.
Instead of opening a window and receiving a daily gift, a reverse advent calendar asks people to donate an item each day.
At the end of the 24 day period the food bundle can be donated to Dover Foodbank to be used to support people who are in need.
In order to help volunteers distribute Christmas-related items in time for the festive season, they are asking people start it before December 1 if possible.
Project co-ordinator Jonathan Wheeler said: “We know that much of 2020 has been a challenging time for many local people in various different ways, but we also know that for some it has been a time of being able to reach out to others in need of support to see them through some of those difficulties.
"As there seems to be little sign of the Covid19 pandemic coming to an end in the next few weeks we know that the run up to Christmas will be a particularly difficult time for some, so we are inviting those who are in a position to help others in the local community to take part in our Reverse Advent Calendar appeal.
"The support we receive makes it possible for us to continue to support those in need, not only during the festive season but going forward into 2021 as well.
"Your continued help and support is greatly appreciated and makes a real difference to the lives of the increasing number of people being referred to us for help.”
Christmas items are encouraged by regrettably the foodbank is unable to distribute items containing alcohol.
Suggested acceptable items include mince pies (alcohol-free), sweets, cake, crisps, nuts and trifle mixes.
Regular items which are also helpful include cold meat, fish, vegetables and fruit - all tinned.
Other suggestions include sugar, instant coffee, jam, instant mash, fruit squash, rice pudding, biscuits, noodles, custard, sponge puddings, drinking chocolate, snack bars and cup soups.
The reverse advent calendar items can be collected by prior arrangement by calling 07870 361180, 07771 898884 or emailing info@dover.foodbank.org.uk .
Alternatively they can be delivered to Poulton Service & Exhaust Centre, Hollow Wood Road, Poulton Industrial Estate, CT17 0UB, or to the warehouse via appointment.
Individual items can be left at collection boxes at The Weigh Inn, Halifax, Help Our Town Community Shop, JHL Accountants, Lloyds, Nationwide Building Society and Natwest in Dover.
Items bought in store at Morrison's or River Co-op or Tesco can be left in the collection boxes by their tills.
More information can be found at dover.foodbank.org.uk
