WESTERN Port Community Support has sent a big “thanks” for the support from the community for its annual Christmas Giving Program.
CEO Georgie Hourn said the planning and preparation for the program started mid-year and behind the scenes staff worked hard to ensure there was money for hamper contents and gifts for the children.
Hourn said the program required hours of work and administration, in particular by volunteers.
“We had hundreds of toys and packing hampers ready for collection on Thursday. Our other staff have been out in the community picking up the toy donations from various businesses and community groups, as well as assisting with hamper packing and food deliveries.,” she said.
“All in all it is a massive enterprise, but it’s a program we know helps so many who struggle with the expense Christmas often creates.
“In true Christmas spirit our community partners, Flinders District Lions Club, have again provided much needed toys and $5000 towards the program. In November volunteers organised a morning tea fundraiser resulting in the donation of an abundance of beautiful toys for the program.”
Many other businesses, charities and local schools had also been generous with their support.
Hourn said the success of the program was due to volunteers and donors.
Western Port Community Support in Hastings is a not-for-profit community agency and is the largest provider of emergency relief and crisis support in the Western Port region.
The agency has been supporting the local community for 43 years through a variety of programs aimed at ensuring anyone experiencing disadvantage or in crisis is able to access critical, essential support.
The Christmas Giving Program provides around 300 food hampers and toys to the community.
Hourn said the demand for hampers and toys had increased over the past few years and each day the agency witnessed the “disturbing trend” of families and individuals presenting for help with basics such as food, shelter and housing, essential medications, travel assistance and crisis support.
She said the Christmas Hamper Program was always a highlight for many clients who need some extra support at this financially difficult time of year.
“Each year we have over 20 volunteers who help us to pack hampers, sort toys, and hand out hampers on the day and is an amazing example of community collaboration and Christmas spirit,” she said.
First published in the Western Port News – 20 December 2023
