A BASINGSTOKE volunteer group is appealing to the public to donate food to give to disadvantaged people this Christmas.

Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA) is launching its Christmas Food Boxes appeal on November 3, when individuals, businesses or clubs can donate a box filled with goodies for refugees, homeless people and disadvantaged families.

Last year, companies in Basingstoke competed internally to fill the most boxes and BVA is hoping businesses will take on the challenge again this year.

There are three recommended options for taking part.

The first is to fill a box with food for refugees, hostels and underprivileged families by decorating a box with festive wrapping paper and filling it up with items such as tins of food, Christmas pudding, custard, mince pies, Christmas cake, biscuits, a jar of coffee, snacks such as crackers and a small toy, game or book.

Option two is to donate food to be distributed to homeless centres and hostels.

Items can include packs of pasta or rice, pouches of pasta sauces, tea, coffee, long-life milk, biscuits, sugar, cereals, cup soups or noodles.

The final option is to provide items for a homeless person without fridge or cooker facilities, but who may be able to use hot water given by food outlets in town.

Food items can include cup soup or noodles, tea bags, coffee, ring-pull tins of hot dogs, ravioli, stews, rice pudding, cereal bars, chocolate biscuits, sweets and crisps.

Other donated items could include hats, scarves, gloves, socks, jumpers, coats, rucksacks, torches, sleeping bags, flasks, boots and toiletries.

Natascha Shepherd, administrator at BVA, said the donations are a huge boost for people in need.

She added: “It gives them a bit of nutrition and to know that people do actually care, especially at a time when people are often thinking about themselves. It’s about doing something for people who really need it.”

Last year, around 46 rucksacks filled with food were given to homeless people, and boxes were distributed to refugees, families and homeless centres in Basingstoke and Deane.

Donations are being accepted from November 3, and should be delivered by December 5 to BVA at The Orchard, in White Hart Lane, Basingstoke, or call 01256 423816 to arrange a collection.

Money can also be donated towards the Christmas Food Boxes appeal.

For more information email admin@voluntaryservices.com.