Christmas spirit is well and truly underway with AnglicareSA volunteers busy packing and preparing goodies for hundreds of families in need.
The organisation’s annual Christmas Hamper Drive has officially kicked off, calling on all South Australians to help those in need this Christmas.
AnglicareSA Manager, Emergency Assistance and Community Support Karen Stott said the drive is all about relieving great stress for struggling families during the festive season.
“Some families have close to nothing for Christmas and the thought of explaining to their children that Santa won’t be coming is unbelievably heartbreaking,” she said.
“For us, it might just be a small contribution in the form of a box of food or a toy, but for the people on the receiving end it means everything – when we present hampers they’re often speechless and in tears.”
Last year, with the support of volunteers, Anglican parishes and schools, corporate partners, and members of the community, AnglicareSA supplied more than 1,300 hampers for families in need.
“One year we had a woman and her five-year-old daughter who had just fled a domestic violence situation – her partner had destroyed everything she had prepared for her daughter,” Stott said.
“We were able to help her out with food and toys so her daughter wouldn’t miss out on the magic of Christmas.”
How can you get involved?
Anyone looking to donate can take canned goods, toys or hampers to:
• The Magdalene Centre, 82 Gilbert St, Adelaide
• The Elizabeth Mission, 91 Elizabeth Way, Elizabeth
• The Outer Southern Hub, 111 Beach Rd, Christies beach
• St Mary’s Picket Fence, 1167 South Rd, St Marys
For more information, please email [email protected].
Alternatively to donate to AnglicareSA’s Christmas Appeal click here. Donations from the appeal allow AnglicareSA to provide food hampers, clothing and treats, and Christmas lunch to people experiencing disadvantage.