Isle of Wight Foodbank Launches Reverse Advent Calendar Campaign for Christmas 2025

The Isle of Wight Foodbank is once again inviting Islanders to take part in its much-loved Reverse Advent Calendar campaign – a festive initiative that helps bring a little extra cheer to local people in crisis this Christmas.

Running from November 1st to 24th, the campaign flips the traditional advent calendar on its head. Instead of receiving a treat each day, participants are encouraged to give an item each day – creating a box of donations that will help provide food and festive goodies to families across the Island this December.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Foodbank said:

“Christmas is getting closer, and our Reverse Advent campaign is a wonderful way for the community to come together and spread kindness.

Each donation helps us make up special Christmas bags that go out with our normal allocations in December – giving our clients a little something extra for the festive season.”

Those taking part can follow along with the Foodbank’s Reverse Advent Calendar, which lists suggested items to donate each day.

Families, workplaces, schools, and community groups are all encouraged to join in – whether that’s by collecting the full 24 items or contributing just one or two.

For children (and grown-ups too), the Foodbank suggests decorating a donation box and marking off each day as items are added.

The Foodbank does ask, however, that items are not wrapped, as they need to be weighed when received.

Completed boxes and individual donations should be delivered to the Isle of Wight Foodbank’s Cowes warehouse by Thursday 28 November, allowing volunteers enough time to sort and distribute them in time for Christmas.

Donations can also be placed in Foodbank collection baskets at local supermarkets.

The Foodbank added:

“Together, we can make a difference.

"Every item given helps ensure no one on the Island has to face hunger this Christmas.”

Full details – including the printable Reverse Advent Calendar and suggested donation list – can be found at:👉 isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/reverse-advent-calendar