Reverse Advent Calendar Project 2025

​​

Consider joining me in this great idea.

Advent is a four-week time of getting ready for Christmas and for Jesus' promised return. Each week has a special theme: hope, peace, joy, and love. Christians celebrate Advent in different ways, but they all share the same purpose - waiting and preparing for Jesus' arrival.

This year, I am happy to share with you the Reverse Advent Calendar Project idea that has been launched annually now for the last 8 years by the Good Shepherd Parish in Ottawa, Ontario that I attend. If you are looking at giving back to your community this year, and helping others in need, this is a great alternative to the traditional Advent Calendar.

What is a Reverse Advent Calendar you ask?
 

​No matter where you live, you are invited to participate in this great project and help out your local Food Bank. By Christmas, the shelves of local Food Banks are almost depleted and the donation comes to them at a great time in the New Year. 
 

The Reverse Advent Calendar Project begins on the first weekend of Advent (November 30, 2025). For every day of Advent, you are invited to place an item from the list below in a box of your choosing that you will be donating. 

You can copy and print the list below and pin it to the outside of your box, to remind you of the items you need to include leading up to Christmas Eve. In the New Year, you can donate your box to your local Food Bank or Cupboard.

Invite friends and family to consider participating in this wonderful Reverse Advent Calendar Project idea.

​

Items to put in your Reverse Advent Calendar Box:

BABY
Diapers / Baby Food / Baby Formula

FOOD ITEMS
Canned Fish & Meat
Canned Fruit
Canned Stews & Chili

Canned Vegetables

Cereal (Whole Grains)
Coffee / Tea

Condiments (small quantity, mustard, ketchup, mayo)
Cookies / Crackers
Dy Pasta (Whole Grain) & Sauce
Jam

Juice Boxes
Legumes (Canned or Dried)
Peanut Butter

Pickles
Rice (brown)
Snack Bars
Soups (large cans)

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Toothpaste / toothbrush

Shampoo / conditioner

Feminine products

Hand Soap

OTHER
Baggies (large and small sizes)
Plastic bottles​​​

​

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
 

O Come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel, 
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
 

​