We’ve produced a 12-day advent calendar with a difference this season so that you can help our Rucksack Appeal make a difference to rough sleepers.

From 1 – 12 December we’ll be posting a virtual advent calendar door on our social media channels which will reveal an essential item we’d love you to donate to help us support people sleeping rough at this challenging time of year.

With the mercury falling significantly over the next days and weeks, please spare a thought for those who haven’t got the luxury of a cosy home and warm bed this Christmas season. Even if you donate one item, such as a sleeping bag, this could make the world of difference to a homeless person this winter.

How you can help

We’re encouraging school groups, businesses, families, groups, and individuals to get involved in our 12 Days of Christmas Giving reverse advent calendar by donating essential items for people facing extreme weather conditions – you could even prepare your own prepared backpacks, stocked with essentials.

For the full list of items, visit our Rucksack Appeal page.

Our suggested items featured each day will help rough sleepers keep warm, clothed and fuelled-up across Hertfordshire as they grapple with sub-zero temperatures. We prepare rucksacks filled with essential items to distribute to those in need, with help from our friends at HACRO.

Items and backpacks can be dropped off at any of our shops during opening hours. Please donate items that are clean, in-date and in full working order and label them “Rucksack Appeal”.

Alternatively, items can be purchased and sent directly to Emmaus Hertfordshire via the Winter Rucksack Appeal Amazon wishlist.

Follow along on our social channels to see our progress and find out where we distribute your donations!