The gift of giving- Reverse Advent Calendar / Christmas Toy Appeal!

The festive season is a time rich with traditions—moments that bring families together, create lasting memories, and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. If you’re looking to start a new family tradition that’s not only fun but also reinforces the importance of kindness, community, and giving back, a Reverse Advent Calendar could be the perfect addition to your celebrations. It beautifully reflects the NHS’s Five Ways to Wellbeing, particularly the value of giving during the holiday season.

Christmas can be an incredibly demanding time for many organisations and families. Food banks, in particular, see a significant rise in need—each year, the demand for emergency food parcels increases by an estimated 45% in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. This is where the simple but powerful idea of the Reverse Advent Calendar makes a real difference.

What is a Reverse Advent Calendar?

Unlike a traditional advent calendar where you receive a treat each day, the reverse version flips the idea on its head. Starting in late November or early December, you add one non-perishable food item or essential hygiene product to a box each day. By Christmas week, you’ll have gathered 25 thoughtful items ready to be donated to a local food bank or charity.

It’s a hands-on way to involve the whole family in supporting the community—teaching children the value of generosity, helping others, and making a meaningful contribution during a time when it’s needed most.

To find your nearest food bank and see which items are most in demand, please visit The Trussell Trust.

You may want to consider a donations of new gifts or money that are now being accepted for Carmarthenshire County Council’s 2025 Christmas Toybox appeal.

The annual appeal helps hundreds of families in Carmarthenshire who can’t afford to buy toys or gifts for their children.

Over 9,600 gifts were distributed to 1,607 children at the end of last year’s appeal, providing valuable support to families who are struggling financially.

This year, the Toybox appeal is accepting items from games, arts and craft items to toiletry gift sets for all ages (18 months to teenagers), at a number of collection points around the county. Unfortunately, the appeal cannot accept used or second-hand donations, however these items can be donated to Eto, the Council’s repair and re-use project, at one of the household waste recycling centres. For more information please visit: Carmarthenshire County Council’s 2025 Christmas Toybox appeal launched - Carmarthenshire County Council

Article submitted by: Health & Wellbeing Team