Families supported by Home-Start in Kettering and Corby will be having a very Merry Christmas, thanks to kind-hearted residents following a ‘reverse’ Advent appeal.

Now in its fourth year, the Kettering Green Party's reverse Advent appeal was launched in aid of families supported by Kettering Home-Start.

The campaign saw contributions from both regular supporters and many new faces, making a real difference during a challenging cost-of-living crisis.

This year, 60 families benefited from the appeal that will be used by Home-Start to support households with at least one child of primary school age or younger.

Cllr Liane Robinson (Green/Central) said: “In 2022, I launched the first campaign along with Julie Buxton, also a Green Party member.

"Since then, things have just got harder for everyone, but the people have shown again how much kindness and community spirit exists in Kettering.”

In Corby, Green Party members Lee Forster and Paul Hopkins were inspired to run a similar appeal for the second year, benefitting the 53 families assisted by Corby Home-Start and the local foodbank.

The campaign ran through November and into the first week of December, inviting participants to embrace the spirit of giving through the concept of a reverse Advent calendar—adding one gift each day for 25 days to create a box of essentials and treats.

Supporters of the Reverse Advent Calendar with their donations /Green Party

Donations included practical items such as toiletries, pyjamas, socks, food, Christmas treats, games, and books.

In addition to these, generous donors gave cash, a big soft Eeyore, and even a 3ft dolls' house—a dream come true for one little girl who has been wishing for one all year.

Among the groups who took part were pupils and staff from Stone Lodge Therapeutic School, and a team led by Natasha Robinson, vice-head of Kettering Buccleuch Academy's School Council. Their efforts, alongside many others, ensured the appeal's success.

The Reverse Advent Calendar flips the traditional idea of receiving gifts, focusing instead on giving to those in need.

Cllr Robinson said: “The Kettering Green Party extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, and we look forward to facilitating next year.”