Can I substitute items?

Yes! Substitutions are absolutely fine. If you don’t have a listed item, choose another shelf‑stable food of similar type. The goal is variety and quality — not perfection.

Of course. You can begin anytime before the drop‑off week. Even a few collected items make a difference, so start when you can and join in at your own pace.

Can groups participate together?

Definitely. Families, classrooms, churches, businesses, and neighborhoods are all encouraged to team up. Group participation makes collecting more fun and helps fill more boxes for local families.

Do items need to be brand‑new?

We ask that all food items be unopened, unexpired, and in good condition — but they don’t need to be newly purchased. If you already have extras in your pantry that meet those guidelines, they’re perfect to include.

Reverse Advent Holiday Food Drive | Marysville Community Food Bank-Washington

Reverse Advent Calendar - October Food Drive

Build a donation box one day at a time, October 1–31.

Download Checklist (PDF)

Drop-Off Info (Nov 1–7)

How It Works

Start a Box

Grab a box or tote and label it for the Reverse Advent Calendar.

Add One Item Daily

Follow our October checklist or choose similar shelf‑stable items.

Drop Off Nov 1-7

Bring your completed box to Marysville Community Food Bank.

October Daily Item List

Use this list to build your box throughout the month.

Day 1

Pancake Mix (16 oz)

Day 2

Syrup (12 or 24 oz)

Day 3

Peanut Butter

Day 4

Jelly

Day 5

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Day 6

Green Beans, Canned

Day 7

Other Canned Vegetable

Day 8

Fruit Cocktail, Canned

Day 9

Oatmeal

Day 10

Flour (5 lb)

Day 11

Sugar (4 lb)

Day 12

Vegetable Oil (48 oz)

Day 13

Coffee, Ground (16 oz)

Day 14

Broth (32 oz)

Day 15

Instant Mashed Potatoes

Day 16

Stuffing Mix

Day 17

Gravy Packet, Turkey or Chicken

Day 18

Potatoes Au Gratin or Scalloped

Day 19

Cranberry, Canned

Day 20

Yams/Sweet Potatoes, Canned

Day 21

Pumpkin, Canned

Day 22

Evaporated Milk, Canned

Day 23

Olives, Canned

Day 24

Soup Canned (not cream of mushroom)

Day 25

Canned Protein (Chili, Stew, etc.)

Day 26

Canned Meat (Chicken, Tuna, Salmon)

Day 27

Canned Tomato Product (Pureed, Diced, Pasta Sauce)

Day 28

Rice or Pasta

Day 29

Side or Boxed Dinner (Hamburger Helper, Mac & Cheese)

Day 30

Boxed Cereal or Crackers

Day 31

Optional - Personal Hygiene Product (Deodorant, Feminine Products, Small Shampoo, Soap)

Note: Please avoid glass containers when possible.

Drop-Off Week: November 1–7

LOCATION

Physical Address:

4150 88th Street NE

Marysville, WA 98270-0917

360-658-1054

info@marysvillefoodbank.org

BUSINESS/DONATION HOURS

Th:

7:30am - 12:00pm

7:30am - 12:00pm & 2:00pm - 6:00pm

CLOSED

7:30am - 12:00pm

7:30am - 11:00am

Who Can Participate

Individuals & Families

Schools & Classrooms

Churches & Faith Groups

Businesses & Service Clubs

Neighborhood Groups

Your daily donations help us prepare holiday food boxes and keep shelves stocked during one of our busiest seasons. Every item added in October becomes comfort and stability for a local family in November and December.

Frequently asked questions

Together, we can make this season brighter for every family.

Your box, your effort, your kindness — it all adds up.

Download Checklist (PDF)

Share This Page

Reverse Advent Calendar - October Food Drive

Build a donation box one day at a time, October 1–31.

How It Works

Start a Box

Add One Item Daily

Drop Off Nov 1-7

October Daily Item List

Use this list to build your box throughout the month.

Drop-Off Week: November 1–7

LOCATION

BUSINESS/DONATION HOURS

Who Can Participate

Individuals & Families

Schools & Classrooms

Churches & Faith Groups

Businesses & Service Clubs

Neighborhood Groups

Frequently asked questions

Can I substitute items?

Can I start late?

Can groups participate together?

Do items need to be brand‑new?

Together, we can make this season brighter for every family.

Your box, your effort, your kindness — it all adds up.

BUSINESS/DONATION HOURS

DISTRIBUTION HOURS

CONTACT