Christmas Food Boxes
Each year Basingstoke Voluntary Action appeals to individuals, businesses and organisations to join us in providing Christmas Food Boxes for those less fortunate than ourselves, and who would benefit enormously from a little extra at Christmas time. The response last year was staggering, and through the generosity of our community we were able to supply refuges, families and homeless centres in Basingstoke and Deane with Food Boxes filled with Christmas goodies.
It’s that time again, and we would like to invite you to join this worthwhile project. Consider if you, your group or organisation could donate any food, food boxes (a box between your group would be amazing!), or additional items to help a homeless person. Last year we were able to distribute an impressive and much appreciated 302 boxes and 46 rough sleeper packs to people for whom this time of year really is a struggle – this is a fantastic way of making a huge difference, especially in these difficult times!
Why not make it a team challenge? – Last year local companies competed internally to fill the most boxes, bands got together and held a concert, and local schools had non-uniform days!
Option 1 – Christmas Food Box for refuges, hostels and underprivileged families.
1. Take a photocopying paper box and lid.
2. Wrap box and lid separately in Christmas wrapping paper.
3. Fill it up with food for Christmas, selecting from following suggested items:
- Tins of ham or chicken breast
- Tins of new potatoes
- Tins of carrots, garden peas
- Tin or pouch of long life quality casserole meal
- Dessert such as custard, mince pies, Christmas Cake,
- Luxury biscuits, chocolates/selection box
- Jar of coffee/cocoa
- Snacks such as crackers, twiglets, savoury twists, nibbles.
4. Box all food up.
5. Call us or email to arrange a time to arrange delivery to The Orchard. In some cases, or where large donations are concerned we may be able to collect donations.
6. We will donate them to the worthy causes and centres in the Basingstoke and Deane area.
Option 2 – Donations of food and items to be distributed to homeless centres and hostels, can be from the list above or any of these:
Food items such as cup soups/noodles, tea bags, coffee (any food bags you can add hot water to); ring-pull tins of hot dogs, ravioli, stews, rice puddings; high energy protein/cereal bars; chocolate biscuits/sweets/small selection boxes, multipack crisp/snacks.
Equipment such as warm hats, scarves, gloves, socks, jumpers, coats; unwanted rucksacks or draw string bags; wind-up torches, sleeping bags, thermos flasks/cups; sturdy boots/shoes, toiletries.
We also need empty photocopy paper boxes, donations of sticky tape, wrapping paper and volunteers to help sort items, wrap, pack and distribute boxes – if you have any free time and would like to join us between Monday the 7th and Tuesday 22nd of December we would love to hear from you!!
Finally, many companies in previous years have donated money to help with winter food box appeals. If you would like to do this please contact Admin@BVAction.org. uk or make cheques payable to Basingstoke Voluntary Action and clearly write on the back Christmas Appeal.
Please note we cannot accept any donations of alcohol or food containing alcohol. We will gratefully accept donations from Monday 30th November, between 9am and 4.00 pm. Please deliver any food or items by Monday 14th December to Basingstoke Voluntary Action, The Orchard, White Hart Lane, Basingstoke RG21 4AF, or call us to arrange a collection.
All queries, please contact Natascha Shepherd: 01256 423816 or email Admin@BVAction.org.uk. Many thanks from all of us at BVA!!
