Reverse advent calendar a unique way to tackle food pantry needs

Nov. 28—Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon and Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain often praise the giving nature and community spirit of Johnson County residents.

Such community outpouring becomes evident around this time each year as many residents donate generously to food, toy and other drives to ensure a happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to those without.

But, what about after the holidays when needs, unfortunately, persist?

From Cleburne to Johnson County and throughout America numerous food banks and charitable organizations encounter post-holiday droughts of donations and shortages of food and other needed items to distribute.

"Well, it's a problem sir," as the Rolling Stones once sang but not one without a solution or at least, the opportunity of solution thanks to Facebook of all things.

For sure, folks post crazy stuff galore on Facebook, but every once in a while they get it right. Such as an old friend of mine Philip Hester who last week penned a post championing and encouraging the Reverse Advent Calendar concept, an idea that came Hester's way courtesy of a friend he had served with in the U.S. Navy.

The idea is straightforward, requiring a box and a few trips to the grocers. Whereas traditional Advent calendars mark the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas, the Reverse Advent Calendar adds at least one item per day leading up to, and then donated on, Christmas Day.

"I really like this idea," Hester wrote in his post. "By Christmas Eve all of the food banks will be looking at bare shelves as this year it seems the need is greater now than ever. Many schools and churches do drives prior to [Thanksgiving and Christmas], but after Christmas the food banks need to be restocked for the new year."

The need for drives and/or donations apply to individuals as well as churches, schools and other organizations.

For Hester's part, completing the Reverse Advent Calendar project is the way to go.

"I usually donate [before the holidays] every year," Hester said. "But the Reverse Advent Calendar looks like my Christmas present to myself this year. Good feelings. Good feelings all month."

Along with his post, Hester included a Reverse Advent Calendar graphic created by passionatepennypincher.com suggesting items to collect each day.

"Each day add an item to a box," the graphic reads. "On Christmas Eve donate the contents to a food bank."

Of course, the order of the items can be switched around or certain items substituted for others and there's no rule against buying more than one of any given item or buying less than 24 items to donate. Every bit helps, officials from area food banks said.

"Whatever people can afford to do," Operation Blessing Assistant Director Natalie Howard said. "We appreciate and welcome any help anybody can give."

Those willing and able to buy the full month's list, or more, could even do so all in one trip to the grocery store, Howard added.

"But it seems more fun this way," Howard said. "Plus, that way the donations hit after the holidays when we'll be needing help."

Howard and Bread Connection co-founder Becky Hightower suggested also that the addition of an item a day throughout December model is a great way for parents to teach their children the importance of giving back not to mention a fun family holiday project. A fun project equally applicable to classrooms and businesses as well.

The post-Christmas need is great every year but especially of late, Howard said.

"Things always slow down after Jan. 1," Howard said. "A lot of people want to help with toy donations and making sure people are fed through the holidays and so they start giving, usually around November. But January comes and goes and people in need are in a pickle because they still need food and other needs."

Inflation, supply chain issues and the creeping transition past COVID-19 all helped aggravate both needs and donation challenges the last several years.

"With prices and everything, getting food is a challenge for everyone this year," Howard said. "But we were having a conversation with members of the Tarrant Area Food Bank and they're having trouble keeping food on their shelves so it's a situation all the way around."

Howard labeled the Reverse Advent Calendar concept a cool, fun and helpful idea as did Hightower.

"I think it's a great idea," Hightower said. "We're really busy now gearing up for holiday donations but we do run into that problem of needing donations after the holidays so I hope that this is something people read about, hear about and take part in."

Operation Blessing, 105 George St. in Cleburne, will distribute food through Dec. 21 and then be closed until Dec. 28. Anyone wishing to donate a Reverse Advent Calendar box is welcomed to do so before or after those dates. Donations to the Bread Connection may be made at 408 W. Henderson St.

Hightower added that donations of toilet paper, other paper goods and cleaning products are desperately needed as well.

"As much or as little," Hightower said. "As much as anyone can do."

Residents are free to seek out county food pantries, churches and charitable organizations to donate food boxes to.

Hester concluded his Facebook post with one final appeal.

"If you do not think you can swing the [Reverse Advent Calendar box] might I suggest picking up size 9 to 12 socks and some basic toiletries for a homeless shelter," Hester said. "They are always in need of those items."