ANDOVER Foodbank has extended the deadline that residents can give Christmas gift boxes this year due to a higher demand than usual.

In 2021 the foodbank distributed more than 1,150 Christmas gift boxes full of toys and gifts to local children via care workers at agencies. The gift boxes were welcomed by families and children. 

One young carer wrote: ‘‘I love my Christmas box, I felt very happy when I got it. I felt happy and excited to open it and very joyful thank you. I love my new things. Thanks."

READ MORE: Councillor calls for notices to show people where defibs are located

The foodbank has said that demand for gift boxes this year is likely to be very high so the bank is extending its deadline for Christmas gift boxes.

Residents can deliver gift boxes to the foodbank up to 1pm on Saturday, November 12.

According to foodbank secretary Annie Mihell, the demand for gift boxes in 2021 was higher than in any previous year but thanks to the generosity of local people, companies, clubs and schools, and a fantastic team of volunteers all the requests from care workers were matched.  

All items must be new and unused, sweets must have a use-by date and list of ingredients on each individual packet (loose sweets or packets from multipacks without these cannot be distributed), and free items such as toys from restaurants and basic toiletries should not be included. 

The foodbank distributes basic toiletries separately.  

SEE MORE: Andover Community Engage on the hunt for a new home

You can also donate to the project online or by texting GIFTBOX and the amount you want to donate to 70085 (eg GIFTBOX 15). Text GIFTBOXNOINFO and the amount you want to donate if you do not want us to be contacted in the future. Texts will cost your donation amount plus one standard rate message.

Christmas hampers are given to families and individuals who are struggling.  

These hampers make an enormous difference to the festive season, helping alleviate the many financial pressures and allowing people to celebrate the season rather than exist through it.  

You can donate through the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ project.  

There are 12 dates with 12 items starting on 1 November 2022 with a ‘bag for life’. You can follow 12 Days to Christmas on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram adding items on specific days at or do your shopping in one go.   

Further information on how to make up a box and what to put into it is available on the Andover Foodbank website.