This year, BLC is encouraging families to try a reverse Advent calendar. This type of Advent calendar is a way to help food banks fill their shelves during this especially needy season. Each day suggests food items to donate, then at the end of the Advent period, the box is delivered to a local food pantry. An example of a reverse Advent calendar you can use with your family is attached here.

To get started, pick out a donation box and find a place to keep it in your home during Advent. If you have picked a cardboard box, decorate it as a family. Consider filling your advent donation box at the same time every day, perhaps first thing in the morning or right before bedtime. If your family is unable to put an item in the box every day, tailor the calendar to your needs. Perhaps circle the top 10 items you will donate and put a few items in your box each time you light your advent wreath on Sundays.

Another option is to make the Advent calendar an afternoon Advent event. Go shopping as a family for items to donate and drop your donation box on the same day. Let the kids help pick out the items and check them off one by one as you shop. Ask them to think about what other kids would like. Say a prayer for the people who will receive the items in your donation box and then pick a place to drop off your box. A few suggestions are at church, at a little pantry in your neighborhood, at the food cupboard found at Evergreen East or even at a local business that is collecting for Perinton Food Shelf or another local food pantry. Whatever works best for your family is the right way to do it.

Items to Avoid

If possible, avoid items in glass jars that can more easily break in transport. Consider healthier food choices as well as snack foods.  Always double check expiration dates to be sure that items are not out of date. Also, do not donate any homemade food, jars or cans without labels, or anything that requires refrigeration.

Personal Care Needs

Some products that people use every day are often forgotten when it comes to pantry donations. Food pantries often need donations like feminine pads, diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, hand lotion, shampoo, and paper towels. Consider adding some of these items to your box of donations.