The salvation Army’s Pastor Phil Sutcliffe has finished organising 105 family hampers to be distributed to 300 people who need them this Christmas. There’s not just food in the hampers, but toys for the 180 children who might otherwise go without.

It’s been a challenging year for the Salvos, as their usual volunteer coordination to get the hampers ready was restricted by Covid regulations. But, thanks to the generosity of the individuals and businesses who contributed to the Christmas appeal, Pastor Sutcliffe said the community stepped up and made it happen through donations given through the Kmart wishing tree and business and school toy drives.

Inside the Salvos toy warehouse were hundreds of donated toys for Christmas.

“In the Christmas hampers were Woolworths grocery cards to allow people to purchase fresh produce and a Christmas ham, and they received a Christmas Day goody bag which had – chips, lollies, soft drink, custard, plum pudding and candy canes,” he said.

Pastor Sutcliffe’s Christmas message to the community is about taking time to value friends and family.

“After a chaotic and tough year for us all, it’s important to take the time to move away from commercialism and presents and really value the time we spend with family,” he said.

“The reality is that many people have had Christmas plans changed and up-ended – so we need to value that time spent together. It’s maybe not what we hoped for, but if we push aside the differences, we can enjoy the company of who we get to spend it with.

“In the new year, we expect to see an even greater need for the Salvos services as Jobseeker and Jobkeeper allowances come to an end.

Packed hampers for Christmas.

The salvos wish to thank the following for their donations:

Kmart Lismore – Wishing Tree

Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise

Wyrallah Road Public School

Bexhill Public School

Clunes Public School

Commonwealth Bank

Westpac Bank

Newcastle Permanent Building Society

Janelle Saffin

Lismore City Council

Lismore Square