This year the ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ hamper collection starts once again on 1 December in the HSDC Adult Learning department.
Prior to its launch last year, staff used to do their own Advent Calendar for the Adult Learners, with each given a number and then receiving a little gift or chocolate on their designated day. Sharon Jenkins, Adult Quality and Outcomes Coordinator explains the change,
“We tried a Reverse Advent Calendar collection, where we asked students and staff to add an item into the Christmas hamper instead of taking something out. This includes non-perishable packets (pasta, soups, tins of food etc) and toiletries (sanitary, soap, toothpaste etc). It was such a success we are running it again this year, with the hamper easily accessible in the Adult Learning lounge.
“All donations will go to the local Foodbank, PO9, a voluntary group who collect and distribute food parcels to anyone in need of a little support. They rely on local businesses and people to donate any items which would help those in need in the local communities of Havant and Leigh Park.
“We decided on this collection idea as this is beneficial to the community. We have the hamper out all year for donations for the PO9 Foodbank but we tend to push it more at Christmas due to it being a ‘tricky’ time of the year for people who need help.”