How to give to those most in need at Christmas in Ballarat

Many of us have been spending big on Christmas presents this year and retailers have been rewarded by the vast amount of open wallet shoppers. Unfortunately, not everyone has enough money to buy presents this year and many will go without. Some have lost their jobs leading up to Christmas…redundancies, downsizing or just plain fired. Others may have been looking for work for a long time and are struggling to support their families. Then there are those who just can’t seem to catch a break.

As Christmas approaches they fumble in their pockets, slide their fingers under the sofa cushions and scan the washing machine for lost change. Because, whatever they find is likely to be what they have to spend on their children this Christmas. How do they decide whether to buy their children a pair of socks, because they know their current collection is full of holes, or to buy a colouring book and pencils on sale at the discount store? One gives them much needed warmth and comfort and the other, the whimsy and freedom of creativity.

You can make a difference by donating gifts to the following local organisations who can deliver much needed relief and maybe a little bit of joy to those in need.

Target has teamed up with UnitingCare with the “Giving Box”. You can find donation boxes located at local Target stores.

The appeal runs in all Target stores across the country until Christmas Eve. The Target Uniting Care partnership is now in its 23rd year and has distributed over 1.7 million gifts thanks to the support of generous Australians. UnitingCare representatives will collect all donated gifts and distribute them to people in need in your local community

Giving box logo on white

Child and Family Services or CAFS for short, is a local organisation with offices in Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Ararat and Daylesford. They have an abundant focus on families and individuals in need, providing support services and programs such as family and early learning children’s services, out of home care, homelessness support and family violence intervention. CAFS welcome clothing and pre loved goods any time through Wozzles Wearhouse stores or the green bins located near the Ludbrook House, 115 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat. Up until the 19th of December, you can donate toys, goods, vouchers and non-perishable food in time for Christmas at Ludbrook House.

For more information about CAFS or their programs, please visit  www.cafs.org.auCAFS

The Salvation Army have enlisted The Kmart Wishing Tree again this year, with their Christmas gift appeal. You can’t miss the tree. It’s normally located at the front of the store. It’s easy. You pick up the tag, find a worthy present, attach the tag and place the gift under the tree. It covers kids to teens, adults to seniors.

So, whilst you are out, think about a gift for someone you don’t know that might be doing it tough this year.
I can tell you from experience that even the smallest gift will seem huge to them on Christmas day and they will appreciate it for years to come.