Every year Family Life seek donations and gifts to share with families in our community to help alleviate the challenges that the festive season often represents. The families we provide support to are often dealing with a complex range of issues including social isolation, unemployment, illness, mental health problems and family violence. All of these don’t make for a cheerful festive season. With your help we can help to brighten the outlook for many. There are many ways that you can make a difference.

1) Donate Christmas gifts to our Christmas Corner

Parents and carers visit our Christmas Corner to select gifts for their children, teenagers or partners. Children visit the Christmas Corner to choose a special gift for their mum, dad, carer, grandparent or sibling. Popular items are games, books, toys, Lego, sporting items such as footballs, cricket sets, balls, beach towels, men’s toiletries, candles and baby toys. We also welcome gifts for teenagers which can be more tricky – gift cards (without the option of buying alcohol or tobacco products), clothing vouchers or gaming vouchers, fashion items or toiletries are all gratefully accepted. Please keep gifts unwrapped but we do appreciate any donations of wrapping paper or gift bags too.

2) Donate food or grocery vouchers for Christmas hampers

Making the weekly budget stretch to create a special Christmas day can add increased stress and anxiety to families facing difficulties. Every year our Christmas hampers help to lighten the load for many. We make up Christmas hampers with everyday non-perishable items but also include a Christmas treat such as shortbread, Christmas cake, gourmet jams, or other fine foods – everybody enjoys a treat. So please feel free to donate a food item or hamper to help. Grocery vouchers (without the option of buying alcohol or tobacco products) are always valuable to help fill the hampers if you’re not sure what to give.

3) Host a collection point in your community

Consider hosting a community collection point to help us with our Christmas Appeal. You could set up a collection point at your workplace, community group or school/kinder and ask your community to get involved with this great cause and make donations of their own.

4) Donate a life enriching experience

The community plays a vital role in supporting children and families to feel connected, to help improve current health and well-being and to assist them in repairing the impact of trauma and disadvantage. Family Life has always believed in the power of community and how a little bit of help can go a long way. Could you, perhaps together with a group of friends, in conjunction with a local business help support families in need in a meaningful and lasting way? Ideas include swimming or tennis lessons, an arts & craft class or a pottery painting session. Gifts like these enrich people’s lives, help children to build relationships and create lifelong memories.

5) Please help spread the word

If you have any family or friends that would like to support a charity this Christmas, please tell them about Family Life and direct them to our website www.familylife.com.au or facebook

If you would like to donate either a Gift or non-perishable Food for the Christmas Hampers please drop them into the Family Life at the following locations;
– 197 Bluff Road, Sandringham
– Level 1, 60-64 Wells Street, Frankston

Alternatively for larger school, workplace or community group donations, please contact us on 8599 5433 to arrange a pick-up.

If you would like to assist and would like more details please call on the above number or email info@familylife.com.au

Thanking you in advance for supporting our Christmas Appeal