It’s the countdown to Christmas and the island’s Foodbank is once again running its Reverse Advent Calendar campaign.

The idea is to set aside an item a day throughout Advent to donate to those in need in the island.

Next Monday (December 17), you can drop of your donations of Christmas goodies at one of a number of venues around the island, including the Foodbank’s headquarters in Cronkbourne.

The Reverse Advent Calendar campaign began in 2016 with a supporter’s post on Facebook but soon snowballed into a major project which has received massive support from the Manx public.

Demand for the help offered by the Foodbank has also snowballed and the charity is currently providing in the region of 200 food parcels a month.

Foodbank director Jane Foxon said: ’At this time of the year, we are preparing for Christmas in two ways.

’Firstly, we aim to provide Christmas food parcels to our clients to help them have a better Christmas than they might otherwise have.

’For most of us, festive food plays a significant role in our celebrations. Mince pies, cranberry jelly, savoury treats and treats for children all help us to enjoy a traditional season of festivities.

’It’s also a time when gifts of toiletries can help those in crisis to feel better about Christmas.’

’In addition, the Advent season is a time when for the past few years we have run a Reverse Advent Calendar campaign.’

Jane said Monday’s drop-off date for the Advent donations gives time for the volunteers to put together and deliver the festive food parcels.

This time of year is also one where the Foodbank is able to stock up its stores in order to see the charity through the lean period in the new year when all the excitement is over but the need for regular supplies continues.

Jane said: ’We are ever grateful for all the support we receive from the public at this time of the year.

’We are happy to receive all sorts of food donations - whether festive or not - household items and toiletries. We would ask that all food donations should be long-life, within date and unopened. All will be used to help those in need.’

So aside from food, what are the other important items that people need?

Jane explains that small toiletry items are a nice treat at Christmas time, and help to make people feel good about themselves.

Throughout the year the charity collects additional items such as laundry liquid, powder or capsules, washing up liquid, household cleaning products, tin openers and pet food.

With the cut-off for Christmas donations taking place on Monday December 17, the Foodbank is always in need of extra helpers, and would be extremely grateful if anyone can help during this critical week. You can call on 646999 or 311550 if you can offer to help.

So how many families do they expect to support over Christmas?

Jane said: ’In a typical month we support around 200 individuals through our food parcels, split roughly evenly between adults and children.

’However, at Christmas time the demand goes up significantly. Last Christmas we gave out 200 specifically Christmas parcels in addition to those in the normal support plans. We have just started on working out our list for this year!’

Jane said the real growth in need usually occurs in January once the decorations have been put away and the bills start coming in.

’Need ebbs and flows throughout the year, and there is a significant correlation with school holidays and half-term breaks. Foodbank is not just for Christmas!’ she said.

The charity has had a lot of support from island shops and some of the larger businesses.

Tesco hosted the annual Foodbank 3-day drive which took place between November 30 and December 2.

For the first time this year, Marks & Spencer is hosting a similar campaign, between today (Thursday) and Saturday (December 8) to receive donations. Volunteers will also be holding a a bag pack.

Earlier in the summer Shoprite agreed to have donation points in their larger stores and this has become a regular feature. The Co-op has provided a donation point from time to time at its Ramsey store.

’As always the support from the shopping public has been tremendous and we have been humbled by their generosity,’ said Jane.

’We receive regular excess food donations from M&S, Tesco and Co-op stores, and also from Tynwald Mills and the Eden Park garden centre.’

The Foodbank has a network of regular donation drop-off points throughout the island which operate all year-round.However, it has a specific list of donation points for the Reverse Advent Campaign on Monday.

For a full list, see above.