The Influence Church, based in Barnard Castle and Richmond, has launched a “reverse advent calendar” to encourage people to give back food and goods every day of advent. A portion of the donations will then go to Barnard Castle foodbank in Galgate based at the Pentecostal church.
Church member Suz Gregory found out about the scheme through a friend on Facebook and decided to adopt the idea.
She said: “It’s quite a simple idea – that’s why it’s captured people’s imaginations.
“Lots of people have wanted to bring things in before Christmas but we want to encourage them to bring things in after.
“We’re having a busy spell now but we probably won’t have as much stock after Christmas.”
Tinned meats, pies, cereal and squash are among the items being sought after for the “Storehouse” scheme.
Packet noodles, rice pudding, pasta and pies in tins are also being accepted.
Ms Gregory, who also runs Barnard Castle foodbank, said the project had gathered momentum since its launch with other boxes appearing in shops in neighbouring towns on the back of a social media blitz.
She added: “I think it’s something quite nice to do with your children – when they open their advent calendar they can put something back which is a good lesson.”
The overhaul of the benefit system and introduction of universal credit in Barnard Castle has triggered a redoubling of efforts at the foodbank. Ms Gregory added: “We’re hoping to get stocked up to be able to provide it if it’s needed.
“Lots of newspapers are saying foodbanks are bearing the brunt of Universal Credit so we want to be prepared for that.”
Goods can be dropped in at Barnard Castle foodbank on Fridays during the Influence Church’s two week closure for Christmas.
It returns to its more regular opening hours to accept goods after that.
For more information, go to www.influencechurch.co.uk/storehouse
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