Dig deep for the local community this Christmas
THE SALVATION Army is launching their annual Christmas appeal in Gippsland, aiming to raise $25 million nationally, which will help The Salvos support individuals and families in the local community who are experiencing hardship this Christmas...
THE SALVATION Army is launching their annual Christmas appeal in Gippsland, aiming to raise $25 million nationally, which will help The Salvos support individuals and families in the local community who are experiencing hardship this Christmas.
“Right across the Bass Coast and South Gippsland we’re seeing a lot more people coming in for assistance for the first time, which is a big thing for a lot of people if they’ve never had to ask for help before. It’s a big thing for them to actually even step in the door to say things are tough,” said Amanda Hart, Corps Officer from South Gippsland Salvos.
There are many ways people can partner with The Salvos to support the local community this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to their Christmas Appeal.
South Gippsland Salvos partner with local churches in the area, such as UnitingCare to prepare Christmas hampers and organise toys and food vouchers.
“It’s a real community effort. We can’t give without the support of the community and we’re really fortunate that we do live in a generous community,” said Ammanda.
Amanda commented that gifts for older teenagers are often needed and gift vouchers are great for this age group.
Other gift ideas for all ages are outdoor sports equipment, indoor games and books, personal accessories and electronics.
Popular food donations include Christmas related items such as pudding and shortbread, tinned foods, meal bases, staple pantry items and cleaning and hygiene products.
“We’re expecting to see a lot more people at Christmas and we have registrations out now for what we call Christmas Cheer, which is support with food and toys,” Amanda said.
A Christmas Day lunch will be provided for families and community members in need in Leongatha.
Both the South Gippsland Shire Council and the Bass Coast Shire Council are supporters of the Appeal as well as many businesses across the region.
There are drop off points for donations at The Salvos in Leongatha and Wonthaggi, the Bendigo Bank in Leongatha and Inverloch, the Wishing Tree at Kmart in Wonthaggi and MP Jordan Crugnale’s office in Wonthaggi.
During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally:
• distributed tens of thousands of food hampers to those struggling to make ends meet,
• received over 250,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without,
• provided over 132,000 meals,
• and provided more than 66,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.
By supporting the Christmas Appeal, The Salvation Army can continue providing wraparound services and tailored support and bring much needed hope and help to Gippsland families in crisis, ensuring nobody struggles alone this Christmas.
To find out more and register for Christmas lunch, food or toys, or to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, please visit, salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or South Gippsland Salvos on 5662 6400.
