Re-imagining advent calendars
Traditionally, advent calendars are used to count down the days of Advent in the run up to Christmas. They have a series of doors or windows to open, revealing a picture, small chocolate or little gift for each day.
Project organisers Quinn and Emma thought "what if we reverse that?". Instead of receiving something each day, we give something instead. Then we'll have a box of 24 items to donate!
This year, there are two ways to fill a box, making it easier for more people to take part...
How it works
1. Choose your box and sign up
This year you can choose between a Family Box and a Food Box.
- Family box - our original option. You’ll be matched with a local family and fill a box especially for them, using information about their ages, interests and needs.
- Food box - a smaller, simpler option filled with non-perishable food and pantry staples. These boxes will help Advocacy Outreach support local families throughout the holiday period.
Whichever option you choose, you’re helping provide practical support to families in our community.
Use our sign-up form to let us know you’d like to take part. This helps us plan how many boxes we can provide and, for Family Boxes, how many families we can match with participants.
And please share the project with your friends and family — the more people who take part, the more families we can support.
Sign up
Need to receive a box?
If you or your family need support this holiday season and would like to receive a box, please do not use the box donation sign-up form.
Instead, contact Advocacy Outreach directly at 512-281-4180 so their team can collect the information they need from you.
Ask for Ethel or Yadira. If no one is able to answer when you call, please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as they can.
2. Collect your box
Collect your box at Lo-Fi Coffee House and Studio from November 18th until December 6th.
3. Fill your box
Filling a Family Box
Once you sign up, the amazing team at Advocacy Outreach will begin matching you with a family.
We’ll share some information about their ages and interests so you can make your box feel a little more personal. We’ll also provide a suggested list of useful items you might like to include to support them over the holiday season.
Filling a Food Box
Your Food Box can be filled with useful, shelf-stable foods that families can enjoy over the holidays and beyond.
We’ll provide a suggested shopping list so you don’t have to guess what to buy. You can follow it closely or use it as inspiration.
Please don’t include any perishable items.
4. Drop off your box
Once you box is full, follow the drop off instructions sent when you signed up.
Family boxes will be collected from Advocacy Outreach on December 19th, while food boxes will be used to help support local families over the holiday period.
Can't commit to a box? Donate instead!
We get it! The Holiday Season is a really busy time of year.
If you don’t have time to take part this year, you can make a donation through our GoFundMe instead. Donations help us purchase the boxes, promote the project and cover other direct project costs.
Quinn and Emma do not make any money from the project. Any funds remaining after project expenses are donated directly to Advocacy Outreach.
Donate
What we achieved together in 2025
Last year, our community showed just how much can happen when lots of people each do a little.
Together, we filled 22 Holiday Boxes — and when we say filled, we mean filled. Many were packed so full they could barely close, and lots of donors went above and beyond by adding extra gifts and essentials alongside their box.
Those boxes helped us support 112 of our neighbors during the holiday season.
Our GoFundMe also raised $910, which was donated to Advocacy Outreach to support their work with local families throughout the year.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who filled a box, donated, shared the project or helped spread the word. This year, we’re hoping to build on that success and support even more local families.
Holiday Boxes 2025 ready for delivery - video
Loading the Holiday Boxes 2025 - video
About Advocacy Outreach
Advocacy Outreach was founded in 1992 with a mission to address the crisis needs and long term goals of Central Texas families striving to increase their economic stability.
The organization occupies a 3,000 square foot historic building in the heart of Elgin. The site houses a Free Thrift Store, the Al Guerrero Learning Center with a computer lab and classroom, and a Day Shelter for those in need.
Find out more
About Quinn and Emma
Quinn Walton and Emma Clark have called Elgin home for the past eight years, pouring their hearts into creativity and community. Quinn shares his love of cars, making, and storytelling through Uncle Quinn's Garage, while Emma brings art and science together in Ferret and Fern, her textile and science studio. Together, they believe in lifting others up and finding ways to turn imagination into connection.
This Christmas, they're honored to share a little joy with families in need. For them, the holidays aren't just about what's under the tree, but about the warmth of community and reminding one another that no one is ever alone. They hope these boxes bring comfort, cheer, and a spark of hope to your home this season.