Thousands giving to the Reverse Advent calendar initiative

The calendars, which started as an idea from Ballarat's Heather Luttrell have now branched out across the state with dozens of municipalities getting into the idea of giving something back to those that are less fortunate.

Jacquie Yole and her family, including children Tlarnee and Payton are among the hundreds of Ballarat families who are adding one item a day throughout the month, which will then be given to charities across Ballarat.

"We've been doing it for three years and this year we've got our extended family in Melbourne coming on board as well," Ms Yole said.

"We're always keen as a family to help others, and I know if we were in the situation that so many Ballarat families find themselves in at Christmas, we would be so appreciative of the support.

"It's a very simple thing that you can do."

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The Reverse Advent Calendars work by participants placing one shopping item into a box every day for 20 days in the lead up to Christmas, or you can do one big shop and place 20 items at once.

"We've done boxes for the homeless youth and asylum seekers across Ballarat," Ms Yole said. "Normally, we do our shopping click and collect, so the kids have jumped online and we've done a special shop just for this.

"Everyone I've spoken to thinks it's a terrific idea, why would anyone say no to do something like this?

"My mum, who I hadn't seen in months came down a couple of weeks back and took 10 back to Melbourne. She's getting people from her work to get involved."

Coordinator Heather Luttrell said even though December had now started, there were still some boxes that could be picked up from vet clinics across the city.

As well as in Ballarat, boxes have also been sent to Geelong, Bendigo, Horsham, Daylesford, Bacchus Marsh, Melton, Eynesbury, Hillside, Coburg, Mill Park, Sunbury, Ringwood, Tatura, Shepparton and even interstate to Canberra and Mount Gambier.

She said she had been thrilled with the support all the communities had shown.

For those who are working on their own reverse advent calendar, you have until December 18 to complete the box and then you are asked to return them to York Street Church of Christ in the next few days so the boxes can be packaged up and delivered to charities in time for their delivery on or before Christmas Day.