A small amount can make a big difference at Christmas

BALLARAT Salvation Army is hopeful that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in the local community and are encouraging everyone to give a hand up to someone in need.

The Salvos annual Christmas Cheer program is designed to help in many ways – supplying toys and food for those in need, holding a community carols event and preparing a special Christmas Day service.

Aside from being one of the four agencies assisting the 3BA Christmas Appeal, the Army still provide over 1000 meals as part of their meals program throughout December.

Around 1500 people come through the door seeking food vouchers and presents over the festive season.

With their figures showing a lot of families only get two good meals a week, many will not get a meal over Christmas.

“We are trying to tap into that by helping people enjoy this Christmas as much as possible and hopefully also to get a good meal in their tummies,” said Salvation Army major Andrew van Gaalen.

“It is always good if we can help our neighbours, it’s a very positive way to build a community, but helping us to help others is also a great way to reach out to the community with our Christmas Cheer designed to meet a lot of needs.”

“The best way to be honest is a cash donation so that we can then distribute in other ways as well.”

While $29 will provide food on the table and a present under the Christmas tree, helping someone with an electricity bill could also change a family’s whole Christmas.

The Salvation Army Carol service is on Sunday, 16 December at 10.00am at 102 Eureka Street Ballarat.