The countdown to Christmas has begun, and with it, the tradition of opening the daily gifts found in advent calendars. These days, people can choose from a wide array of calendars, with gifts ranging from various candies to toys, cheese, chocolate, wine, beauty products, even dog treats. This year, however, consider a twist on tradition with a reverse advent calendar.
A reverse advent calendar is a charitable alternative to the traditional version. Instead of receiving a small gift every day, participants place items in a box Dec. 1 through Christmas Eve to be donated to a local charity, food pantry or family in need.
Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville — an M.J.M. Electric Cooperative member — participated in its first reverse advent calendar project in 2020 to help bring a little holiday cheer to local families.
Marketing Manager Ashley Haschemeyer shared the idea with her team. “Once I explained the concept and asked if anyone wanted to participate, everyone jumped at the opportunity, so much so that we ended up with way more than 24 items in our donation box,” she says.
One team member met a stranger in the canned vegetable aisle at the grocery store who was so moved by the idea that she grabbed some canned corn off the shelf and asked for it to be donated on her behalf.
Haschemeyer says that this project proved to be a teaching moment for her team. “The holiday season is portrayed as a time of love and giving, but sometimes people just aren’t aware of the outlets they can give to,” she explains. “Creating this opportunity at our workplace allowed several people to give quite generously who may not have normally, simply because they weren’t sure how to.”
According to Feeding America, one in eight people in Illinois face hunger. When choosing to address this need, there are a few important things to consider. Nonperishable food is best, because refrigerated items and fresh produce might not make it to the table before going bad.
Make sure to look at the expiration dates on foods, as most places will not accept expired goods. For canned items, those with pop-top lids are best, because not everyone has a can opener. Also, make sure labels are intact, so people know what’s inside.
Refrain from food packaged in glass jars that can be broken during transport. And, although plenty of “junk food” items seem easier to purchase, nutritious food should be at the top of the list. Focus on whole grains, low sodium and plenty of protein. The best scenario is food that will provide sustenance to those receiving it.
The Central Illinois Foodbank lists its most needed food items as pasta, pasta sauce, canned vegetables, canned soup, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned meat and whole-grain cereal. Most needed nonfood items are laundry detergent, bath soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste and diapers. If you know where you plan to donate, reach out and ask what items they need most, since every area’s needs are different.
Keep in mind, however, that there are no strict rules for reverse advent calendars. Just as regular advent calendars have themes, reverse advent gifts can be specific to the charity or the community’s needs. For example, they can consist solely of food, toiletries, clothing or toys. Know a family with a new bundle of joy? Consider a box of baby items. If there’s a local animal shelter, donate a box of pet supplies. The only limit is your imagination.
This is a great project for families, coworkers, church groups or even individuals. Just make sure that list is handy, so you know what to add each day. While templates of reverse advent calendars can be found online, here are a few examples to help with inspiration. Let the countdown begin.
