ANDOVER Foodbank has been delighted with the response to its Christmas Treats Amnesty campaign. In response to the appeal, launched in last week's Andover Advertiser, supporters have been donating their surplus Christmas items to clear their cupboards for the new year.

Head of foodbank Chloe Roberts said: “It was wonderful to open our doors for 2024 and to have so many people turn up with donations. Our chocolate and biscuits aisle is looking very well stocked. We always ensure we have some in every box as something sweet with a hot drink can be such a comfort in hard times."

The foodbank is also asking for donations of unwanted toiletries and gift sets. These are used to create pamper bags to gift to people using the foodbank.

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Andover Advertiser: Andover Foodbank volunteers Graham Capper and Pam Brown with some of the Christmas food andChloe continued: “When you are struggling, food is priority as we all need it to survive.  But there are other essentials always needed to keep you healthy, clean and well. We offer basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, deodorant and sanitary products with every box but when we have enough, we will also gift packs of items such as hand cream and body spray. These are always well received and the feedback from our clients is that having a little luxury makes a big difference in hard times.”

The charity also states that smaller toiletries such as those in Christmas gift sets are perfect for giving to people who are experiencing homelessness or who are in temporary accommodation. 

"People in this situation tend to move around while they try to find permanent housing and are unable to take bulky bottles and tubes," Chloe said.

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"The smaller size items can be easily packed in bags and are light to carry. We know that people often throw these items away but we ask you to consider donating them to Andover Foodbank instead.”

If you would like to donate your left over Christmas items they can be dropped into the foodbank donation bins at local supermarkets or brought to Andover Foodbank, St John the Baptist RC church, Alexandra Road, Andover, SP10 3AD.

All donated items donated must be in date, unopened and unused.  The foodbank is unable to accept items that need to be chilled or frozen.