Pick up an empty shoebox at Swanley Civic Centre, fill it with Christmas treats or gifts, and it is shared between Swanley Foodbank and the Community Cupboard.

Swanley residents can pick up an empty shoebox from the town council, fill it with Christmas treats and gifts, and hand it back for families who need help this year. Everything given will be split equally between Swanley Foodbank and the Community Cupboard.

The Mayor of Swanley, Cllr Michael Horwood, announced the appeal on Monday. It is the first time the town council has collected Christmas donations for the two food charities. (Swanley Town Council, Mayor Launches Christmas Present and Shoebox Appeal, 2 November 2026)

What to put in a box

The council is asking for:

  • Christmas food, sweets and other edible items
  • chocolate
  • toys
  • clothes
  • wrapped presents for children

The appeal poster lists chocolate, sweets, toys and clothes as “all greatly appreciated”.

If you buy a present for a child, wrap it and mark it with the age and gender of the child it suits. The council says this makes sure “the right toys go to the right families”.

What it means for you

  • Where to get a box: Swanley Town Council offices, The Civic Centre, St Mary’s Road, Swanley BR8 7BU.
  • Where to return it: the same place, once it is full.
  • When the office is open: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.30pm, and Friday 9am to 5pm. (Swanley Town Council, Contact us)
  • Questions: call 01322 665855.

The council has not published a closing date for returns. If you want your box to reach a family before Christmas, it is worth asking when you collect it.

What the charities said

Cllr Horwood said the council was “delighted to be working with our Swanley Foodbank and The Community Cupboard”. He said the aim was “to bring a little cheer to Swanley families who need a little extra support this Christmas”. He also thanked the volunteers who help the food banks in other ways, naming the Santa in Swanley team.

Swanley Foodbank said: “Your shoebox gifts will make such a difference to people who need support over the festive period, we are very grateful for whatever you can donate, big or small.”

The Community Cupboard said it was “so very grateful” to have been nominated as one of the two charities to receive the boxes.

Tell the council about your group’s Christmas

The town council also wants to hear from community groups about what they are doing over the festive season. It plans to feature their work in the next issue of the Town Crier, its newsletter. Groups can email towncouncil@swanleytowncouncil.gov.uk.