THROUGH the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) annual Christmas hamper appeal, volunteers aim to provide festive food hampers to local households in need.
“The hampers will offer a taste of Christmas to those in our community who may otherwise go without. Every day, our Emergency Food Relief Pantry supports 25 local households. This December, we want to make the season a little more special for these households that are doing it tough,” explains David Rooks, Centre Manager, PICAL.
To give households in need a taste of Christmas, PICAL is calling out to the community for donations of Christmas-specific food items that are non-perishable, such as tin ham, Christmas cake and pudding, UHT custard, mince pies, shortbread, chocolates and lollies, bonbons (Christmas crackers), and gluten-free Christmas options are also welcome.
“These hampers will go to individuals and families who are already connected with PICAL - the people PICAL stands beside all year long.”
Non-Christmas items will be redirected to PICAL’s Emergency Food Pantry to support everyday needs.
- of non-perishable, Christmas-specific food items can be dropped off at PICAL’s reception at 16 Warley Ave, Cowes, between 9 am and 3 pm, Monday to Friday. PICAL is accepting donations from now until Friday, December 5. Financial donations are also welcome.
Note that the team will be taking a short break over the festive season to rest, recharge and celebrate with loved ones.
Opening Hours:
December
- Tuesday, December 24 - Closing early at 1 pm
- Wednesday, December 25 - Closed
- Thursday, December 26 - Closed
January
- Thursday, January 1 - Closed
- Friday, January 2 - Closed
- Monday, January 26 - Closed
Centrelink (Services Australia) and the PICAL Pantry will be open on all other days. Reception will be closed from Monday, December 29, to Friday, January 9 (inclusive).
