HEATHER Luttrell's little idea to bring Christmas cheer to struggling Ballarat families has grown into a city-wide charity which is now gaining national attention.
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The Reverse Advent Calendar Box project is seeing residents and businesses across Ballarat donate one item every day during December into a Christmas hamper which will then be given to a range of Ballarat-based charities to give to local families for Christmas. The idea is every day throughout December until December 20, you place one item in a hamper. This can be anything from long-life food, toiletries or Christmas decorations.
"Last year we were given 70-80 boxes across the city and my hope this year is we can get 200," Ms Luttrell said.
"We're so lucky it has been sponsored by Lateral Design Group who have created a fabulous logo for me to use and they have designed a box that has been printed specifically for the purpose of Reverse Advent Calendar.
"(Ripon MP) Louise Staley has also contributed some money to help with the cost of getting the boxes printed. We originally ordered 500 boxes but interest is so high that we have quickly ordered a further 500 boxes.
"Ballarat is full of kind-hearted generous people who genuinely want to help those in the community who are struggling."
One family that has jumped at the chance to help is Ballarat's Greig family.
Mum Sarah said she was thrilled to be able to help.
"The idea that it will make someone else happy come Christmas Day is just wonderful, I can't believe it's not been thought off before," Mrs Greig said.
"We did it last year. We did a lot of long-life food, Christmas decorations, table runners, serviettes, bon bons - just some things that will make someone else happy for Christmas.
"It's a beautiful idea and it's very practical - it doesn't take much work at all."
Boxes are available to collect from York St Church of Christ office and Ballarat Vet practice clinics in Sturt Street, Howitt Street and Lucas, and Eureka Veterinary Hospital clinics in Creswick Road and Mount Clear for a gold coin donation.
On December 20, you can deliver your box to York Street Church of Christ between 9am and 5pm.
The boxes will be then distributed to the Salvation Army, the Soup Bus, Anglicare, Wendouree west Exodus community and Kids Hope.
