Hucknall's firefighters are once again organising and collecting festive foodbank donations.

This will be the third year that the fire station has collated a 12 days of Christmas campaign to help members of the community who use the foodbank which is based in the 'Under One Roof' building on Vine Terrace.

A post on Hucknall Fire Station's official Facebook page was published earlier this afternoon (Friday 11 November) to launch the scheme and encourage local residents to take part.

It began by acknowledging that 2022 had been a tough year for the nation and encouraged Hucknall residents to make December 'something to feel good about' before acknowledging that 'we can't do it without your support'.

The post continued: "Over the last 2 years, your hampers and donations have made an enormous difference to not only the festive season for the people of our community but for many months after. Without the massive amount of support from YOU, many many families and individuals would have had even less than they received.

"We understand times are tough for everyone maybe even more so this year than others with everyone having to cut back, Financial pressures have once again grown, and again more and more Individuals and families are using Hucknall's food bank as the decision between heating and eating grows. This is due to the rise in prices for utilities and the price of food we put on our tables. We even know of people who used to donate but now need to use the service themselves due to changes in circumstances.

"To help the Hucknall food bank build its depleted stock and get enough food for individuals over Christmas and the winter months we have again devised a 12 days of Christmas scheme, so here are the 12 dates with 12 items for you to add to your bag. Don't worry if you can't get your hands on everything we have this as a guide you can simply replace it with something else, or even make up your own.. anything is better than nothing.

"Again last year we had an overwhelming amount of support for our selection box collection appeal again we will be running this so if your financial budget doesn't stretch to assist with the 12 days donation but you still want to spread a little magic we are also looking for donations of selection boxes, we aim to deliver to Nottinghamshire's children's wards for the festive season. A single £1 selection box will put a massive smile on a child's face at a time when no child should be sad or in hospital and you can help us give those smiles."

The firefighters will attend all of the local schools that have agreed to take part on Friday 9 December and are then aiming to collect all of the donations from the public on Saturday 10 December.

Anyone wishing to take part is asked to send a direct message to Hucknall Fire Station's Facebook page with the collection address so that the crew can begin to devise a collection route. Anyone who doesn't use social media but wishes to join in can call 07967690717 to give their address.

Below are the details of ideas for each day as listed on the station's Facebook page:

"27th Nov – #SuperstarSunday. Let's get started with a bag for life to hold all your goodies..

28th Nov – #MunchyMonday. Crisps/Cereal/Nuts/Biscuits

29th Nov – #TinTuesday.if it's in a tin throw it in.. Tinned Veg/Fish/Meat

30th Nov - #WashtimeWednesdays. Toiletries/Shower gel/deodorant /toothpaste/ washing-up liquid/bobbles.

1st Dec – #ThirstyThursday. Something to keep that thirst at bay, Cordial/Juice/Tea/Long life Milk/Coffee/Sugar/Hot chocolate (marshmallows optional)

2nd Dec - #FestiveFriday. Christmas cake/Mince pies/Festive cakes/Christmas Crackers

3rd Dec – #SaucySaturday. Stuffing, gravy, or bread sauce

4th Dec - #SweetSundays. Chocolate Selection box/sweets and treats.

5th Dec – #MondayMotivation. What's hiding at the back of your cupboards, have a clear-out and make room for your own Christmas goodies

6th Dec - #'TIN'selTuesday. Tin of spam/corn beef or even a pie

7th Dec – #WobblyWednesday. Lets carb up pasta/rice/ jars of a nice sauces

8th Dec – #ThankfulThursday. This is your choice.. even if it's a Christmas card from your family to theirs.."

The post simply ends with the words: "Thank you in advance for your amazing support and generosity for YOUR local community….. You are the real heroes.."

To read the full post or for further details, click here.