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For each day in the run up to Christmas we want an example of what someone in Coventry and Warwickshire has done to spread a bit of that old Christmas spirit.

Did you take Mince Pies round to the neighbour? Did you donate some money to charity? Help an old lady across the street? Perhaps you're holding a Christmas bizarre in aid of charity!

Whatever it is you did or you're doing we want to hear about it, so at the end of it all we've got a record of how Coventry and Warwickshire has put the spirit back into Christmas…

Annie's Advent Calendar

Day 1 - John Sherry from Coventry has been smiling at people, he says its free and it’s the easiest thing we can do, so why don't we spread a little joy!

Day 2 - Tony Cousins, Secretary of Friends of Rugby's Hospital of St. Cross spoke to Annie about a big donation they are making to the hospital. They are handing over £19,000 worth of equipment - such as treadmills - to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit.

Day 3 - Jean Sheward from Canley told us how she makes parcels of home made cake and marmalade to give out to people to make them smile. Each year they ask if she'll be doing it again.

Cutting down the mistletoe

Day 4 - Helen from Tile Hil told us how The Greek Ladies Auxiliary use money raised from events throughout the year to help charities at Christmas (they also do it at Easter!)

Day 5 - In order to protect some of the city's Lime trees, Coventry City Council have decided to give away a bumper crop of mistletoe. Council Officers will be at the Park and Ride section of the War Memorial Park on Saturday, 6 December 2008 between 10am - 1pm. Lord Mayor, Councillor Andy Matchet will be at the park from 11am to encourage people to make donations to his charities in return for a bunch of mistletoe.

Day 6 - George Noble from Shustoke has raised £15,000 for the Rainbow Trust and a Medical Outreach Charity in India - the country in which he toured to raise money. He is also training for a 450km bike ride in Zambia - from which he hopes to raise money for Transaid.

Day 7 - Ron Williams, President of the Kenilworth Lions Club, told Annie about the events their organising this Christmas. They will take 150 people to the Priory Theatre to see the pantomime and provide transport. They will also have their annual Carols at the Castle and will be delivering grocery parcels just before Christmas.

Mince pies

Day 8 - Zoe Seville-Edden told Annie about a mince pie and mulled wine event on Saturday, 13 December at the Community Rooms in Queen Victoria Road, Coventry. There will be cake, non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies. It is a welcome break from Christmas shopping! There will also be Christmas craft stalls. Proceeds go to the Mercia MS Therapy Medical Centre.

Day 9 - Annie spoke to Richard Hopkins, one of the new owners of the Time for Tea cafe in Kenilworth, which have launched a loyalty card scheme. Richard's partner, Louise Wilde, lost her mother to leukaemia - so they have created a loyalty card in aid of Leukaemia Research. Customers can collect eight rubber stamps in return for a free drink and for each fully-stamped card handed in, the café will donate 10p to the charity.

Day 10 - Rod Hernandez from the RAOB Club's Social Commitee told Annie about how they raise money for charities. They have a Bingo night every Wednesdays and are currently raising money for a dinner and dance for the over '60's.

Day 11 - Phil Hope from TDG at Rugby and Sainsbury’s in Corby have been raising money for cancer charities and local charities. This year they are donating £12,000 to six charities.

Day 12 - Annie spoke with Santa Claus! He was at Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull and was challenging Santa and elf impersonators to have a dance-off with him.

Day 13 - David Harrop told Annie about his A Song for Christmas show at The Grange Hall in Southam on Friday, 19 December. It includes words, drama and music and celebrates 200 years of Christmas song. There is also mulled wine and mince pies.

Day 14 - Paul from Tiny Teddies Day Nursery in Coventry told Annie about their carol service for the elderly at Sovereign House. They also have a wishing tree for people to donate presents for children who may not receive any gifts at Christmas.

Day 15 - Rachel Carpenter from Warwick District Council told Annie about a quiz they have every other week for staff at lunchtime. They held a Christmas quiz with an entry fee of £1 and raised £230 for the Myton Hospice and Guide Dogs For The Blind.

Day 16 - Joan Rawlings from Middleton near Tamworth told Annie about an event at Ash End Children's Farm. They invite children to join in with the story of the very first Christmas - complete with real live animals!

Day 17 - Poet Julie Boden read some Christmas poems she'd written to spread a little festive cheer and help de-stress!

Annie Othen is on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Coventry & Warwickshire every weekday from 10am on 94.8/103.7/104FM and DAB and here on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Coventry & Warwickshire website. It is also available right here on our Listen Again facility.