Christmas spirit shines in Frankston City
Published on 10 December 2020
Community Support Frankston and partners are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Frankston Christmas Hamper Appeal doing what they do best – going all out to provide food hampers, vouchers and toys to our City’s most disadvantaged residents.
Over 10 tonnes of festive foods will be delivered, unpacked and sorted into over 1000 hampers this week, across four days at the Uniting Church, Frankston.
CSF Manager Steve Phillips said dozens of volunteers including Frankston City Council officers will donate their time to make sure that our most vulnerable families, couples and singles aren’t forgotten this Christmas
“We’re expecting another record breaking year with demand for assistance continuing to increase, including families that have never reached out for help before. Unfortunately, times are only getting tougher for people surviving on low or no income,” Mr Phillips said.
Hampers and other assistance coordinated by CSF are distributed through a number of welfare agencies, local schools and caseworkers as part of the Frankston Emergency Relief Providers network and Operation Larder.
Frankston City Manager Financial and Corporate Planning, Simone Wickes, said she and other Council officers had enjoyed giving back and donating their time to pack the hampers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of community and caring for others,” Ms Wickes added.
North-East Ward Cr Suzette Tayler said 2020 has been incredibly challenging for many residents due to the Coronavirus pandemic – a year that has seen the demand for emergency food relief increase significantly.
“Christmas is tough for many families and individuals, but it’s heartening to see so many demonstrating the true spirit of the festive season by donating funds and their time to support the 30th Frankston Christmas Hamper Appeal.”
Cr Tayler noted that last year’s generous community donations enabled Community Support Frankston to distribute a record total of 726 hampers, which assisted 1871 people, including 980 children and 891 adults.
“Cash donations are still being accepted and I encourage those who can lend a ‘helping hand’ to do so by visiting http://www.frankston.net/ It’s a wonderful way to celebrate this special time of year while bringing Christmas cheer to those who need it most.
“The 30th Frankston Christmas Hamper Appeal is a meaningful way to contribute to local families who face hardship. All monetary donations over $2 are tax deductible and 100 per cent of your donation is spent on helping those in need.”
Donations can also be sent to CSF Material Aid Trust, Community Support Frankston, 35 Beach St, Frankston, 3199