16 essential non-food items your local food bank needs this Christmas

With Christmas just two months away, many of you will be starting to think about supporting those who are less fortunate.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Oct 2017, 10:14 BST- 1 min read

Updated 12th Dec 2017, 12:03 BST

Looking to make a donation to your local foodbank? They need more than just food.

Gift appeals, toy drives and food donations amp up as the festive season approaches, with both schools and places of work launching their own initiatives to help those who need it.

The Trussell Trust, a charitable organisation which co-ordinates the nationwide network of food banks, offers online guidance, about what you can give to your local food bank in a donation parcel.

Toothbrushes and toothpaste are among items on the donation list.

Food donations mostly include non-perishable items such as cereal, pasta, rice, tinned fruit and coffee or tea - but the organisation is also appealing for other things to help people and families in crisis.

Here's our list of non-food items you can donate as part of your parcel.

To find your local food bank and its opening hours, click here.

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