As they finished packing 100 Christmas hampers and 200 toy bags for struggling local families, this year’s Salvation Army (Salvos) volunteers in Goonellabah were exhausted, but happy to be of service to the community.

Salvos Captain Phillip Sutcliffe said the hampers were ready in time to be collected by parents before school finished - just in time for them to wrap toys at home and keep the pressies a secret from their kids.

“The hampers are a wonderful thing for us to distribute – and filled with donated goods that people put under the wishing tree at Kmart,” Cpt Sutcliffe said.

As well giving out 200 bags full of donated toys for the kids, the 100 food hampers were filled with donated treats to make Christmas day a happy for struggling families. From pudding, custard and shortbread – to staples like rice and pasta.

“We’ve had some generous donations of gifts for teenagers this year,” Cpt Sutcliffe said “There’s movie vouchers and gift cards to EB games.

In the toy bags for younger kids up to the ages of 13, there’s stocking fillers and one main present.

Massive demand

“This year we had more requests for assistance than ever before.

“About 35% of the people who have asked for help are brand new and have never had to ask for assistance before.

“That’s a massive increase around here. Usually, we only get about 8-10% new enquiries.

“We keep working with families all year long to provide ongoing assistance and education.

Rent crisis and Covid

“The rental crisis, the cost of living and getting around are a massive part of what’s causing this.

“People who are on government benefits that are not increasing, are finding the money doesn’t go so far.

“Covid hit people hard during the last year. When the government was providing extra assistance, it was a huge help and they got used to living on a larger amount of money. But now, it’s much harder for them.”

More presents always needed

Cpt Sutcliffe said any more toys that are donated between now and Christmas will go into storage and be used for next year’s hampers.

“It’s a nice cycle that keeps going,” he said. “If anyone wants to donate toys, please keep putting them under the wishing tree.”

To find out more about the Salvos, to volunteer or to donate, visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/northernrivers/