It’s all about helping others this Christmas at Echuca Neighbourhood House as volunteers prepare for the annual reverse advent calendar program.
Echuca Neighbourhood House’s Eleanor Bridge said the idea was simple — collect a box from the organisation and fill it with things you think someone might appreciate this Christmas.
“Fill it throughout the month of November with non-perishable pantry items and a couple of Christmas treats,” she said.
Boxes then need to be dropped back to neighbourhood house by November 30 to be distributed to community members in need.
Ms Bridge said that there were a range of things people could include in the box — non-perishable foods, Christmas treats and even self-care items like good quality shampoo and conditioner.
“Variety is always key when packing the box,” she said.
“Just remember it can be for a family or a couple.
“So it’s nice to have some items like some pasta, tins of different things and then some Christmas treats.”
The annual event collection has been running for a few years, with the organisation teaming up with Jason Garner’s Clean Today So There Is Hope For Tomorrow group.
“We’ve been doing it for a couple of years now and we decided to carry it on,’’ Ms Bridge said.
“There was a very great need for it last year with the floods.
“So we’ve decided to do it again with the cost of living pressures.
“We’re also doing a toy drive as well, so people can put down their name here at the house to receive toys for their children and we’ll contact them.”
Mr Garner said that it was his own personal experience that made him want to help give back to the community.
“We want to be there to provide for kids so they don’t have to miss out because at the end of the day, it’s not the kids’ fault,” he said.
“I remember back when I was a kid, we rocked up at home and there were black bags at the front door.
“I remember opening one of them up, it was a brand new toy tractor. Then on Christmas Day they were wrapped up as presents.
“Without that we may not have got presents so I just think that there’s a lot of families around that are struggling and I’d love for the community to get together and provide for them.”
Drop toys into Echuca Neighbourhood House, Intersport Echuca at 132 Hare St, Echuca, and K&N Barber at 4/28 Nish St, Echuca.
If you are in need or know a family needing assistance, you call into Echuca Neighbourhood House at 261 High St, Echuca, to let them know or phone 5482 6914.