Reverse Advent Calendar

Many people across the area donate to the Red Cross as it is so easy to drop off items at 22 Wheeldon Ave on the days leading up to the first Sunday of the month, others prefer to drop items off at Broadway Church and some donate money on a regular basis to Food 4 Thought Alliance.

As the second Christmas of the cost of living crisis approaches, there is another way to help local people in need of support - the Advent Calendar where you give instead of receive, the Advent Calendar which starts early to allow time for items to be distributed.

From Food 4 Food Alliance:

The Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance is asking citizens to support those in need as they countdown to Christmas this year with a reverse advent calendar. 

Working in partnership with Derby County Community Trust and Derby City Council, The Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance (DF4TA) has re-launched its reverse advent calendar scheme, asking citizens to donate one item of food a day for 25 days. 

Last Christmas, because of the generosity of local people and organisations, DF4TA was able to distribute over 2,000 food parcels to households across Derby, making a huge difference to those in need. DF4TA was established in March 2020 to help those who were struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The alliance is part of the Community Hub, which is made up of several Derby-based businesses and organisations including Community Action Derby and Derby City Council.

While DF4TA was initially a short-term project, it has evolved into a long-term solution to help those in need in Derby. The Food 4 Thought Alliance currently partners with 13 food banks across the city.

All items received through the reverse advent calendars will be split evenly between the 13 food banks, adding to the 7,647 food parcels already donated between May and August this year. 

It’s easy to get involved. From Monday 13 November to Thursday 7 December, simply collect the items shown on the donation list then deliver the items in a box to one of the following locations:

  • Harrison’s Hub at Derby County Football Club on Wednesday 6 December between 12-3pm and Thursday 7 December from 4-6pm

  • Morrisons Meteor Centre, DE21 4RY during store opening hours

  • Asda, Arleston Lane, Sinfin, DE24 3DS during store opening hours

Diana Bruce