AN appeal has gone out to borough residents, asking them to support Thurrock Foodbank's Reverse Advent Calendar appeal.

It proved to be very successful for the Corringham-based charity last year and it is hoped for a repeat for the coming festive season.

The charity has produced a graphic aid for potential food donors, asking them to match specific items that will make up aid packages for families in need.

Business relations and referrals manager Kate Collier says: "We are reaching out to ask if residents and businesses would kindly help us with our Christmas appeal.

"We are sticking with the Reverse Advent calendar as we had huge successes with this last year. So many families were able to enjoy Christmas without the added stress of finding food, we all know how expensive Christmas can be. 

"Our demand is still extremely high, especially as it comes into winter when people have to choose whether to eat or be warm.

"We would like to spread the poster as an incentive to people to plan a collection, either individually or with  work colleagues, students, families etc.

"People can bring items in on each day of the calendar. And we are also appealing for advent calendars too.

"These will need to be in the warehouse latest Monday 25th November so we can delivery to our distribution centres ready for 1 December. 

"We could not do what we do without our community's support and appreciate its generosity in the past."

If you would like to learn more about the appeal, contact Kate by email: [email protected].