Reverse advent calendar boxes helps families in need

Maureen Lillywhite, 66, a community worker for Meanwood, launched the reverse advent calendar campaign last month.

Instead of opening a chocolate advent window, Mrs Lillywhite asked people to donate an item every day from the start of December until Christmas Eve.

More than 150 boxes were collected, filled with food and other household items, and were handed out at Stainbeck Church to help low-income families cope with the long month ahead.

Mrs Lillywhite, who lives in Burmantofts, said: “This will make a huge difference to families who struggle to afford Christmas and have very little money left to last them through January.

“The reverse advent calendar is really helping to support those families who wouldn’t survive without.”

A few of the boxes were given out earlier to help put people in emergency situations and Mrs Lillywhite said they have been a lifeline for people.

She said: “One woman was in tears of relief when I gave her a box because she was worrying about how she would feed her children.

“Another lady who came out of hospital on Boxing Day had no food in the house until she got a box and she was so grateful she has been sending me pictures of the meals she’s cooked.”

Mrs Katie Nicholson, 27, from Killingbeck, also volunteered as part of the reverse advent ca lender campaign.

The primary care support manager said: “I’ve come from a family of women that have always worked hard to look after people in the community.

“It’s important we support people in need and I wanted to help Maureen as she really is a pillar of the community.”

Mrs Lillywhite plans to do the reverse advent calender again next year after receiving overwhelming positive feedback.

She said: “The Meanwood community have been so supportive and have really got behind us – it’s amazing.