A Bundaberg community group which provides Christmas hampers to those in need is calling for more donations.
The Angels Santa Assistance program provides free hampers full of Christmas table staples and toys, to registered families in the Bundaberg region.
The hampers usually include christmas pudding, custard, ham, chocolates or candies, some little treats like chips, pancakes and soft drink or cordial – as well as the basics like, rice, pasta, bread, fruit and vegetables.
The community group also ensures that children between 0-17 years old get a toy or present suited to their age and gender, with the toys coming unwrapped so mum and dad can make sure Santa has got it right.
Angels Santa Assistance Chief Operations Officer Jasmine Tasker says they usually supply around 300 hampers each year.
‘We have the incredible support of all of Bundaberg, it really feels like they all come together and then what we are able to do is give out food hampers which would cover at least breakfast lunch and dinner for Christmas day.
‘It is 100 percent community based, we would not be able to do Santa Assistance I don’t think in many other places than Bundy.
‘Bundy comes together every Christmas for us – not just our organisation but lot’s [of others].’
Jasmine is encouraging locals to drop in donations at the Angels Mini Mart at Bundaberg Central.
‘So think about what’s on your Christmas day spread, and you can drop that in.’
She says dried goods are the easiest thing to donate.
‘We do need to purchase meat, eggs and veggies closer to the date, so we do ask that if people would like to donate money that is also welcome.
‘Any donations over $2.00 are tax deductable as well.’
Anyone who needs a hamper is eligible for one, with the program running on a trust system.
Hampers are made in three sizes; small, medium and large, depending on how many people are in each household, so there is no reason for a household to receive more then one hamper.
In November each year the program opens for registration and they fulfill as many as they can, depending on the donations received.
