Bag up a bit of happiness

THE Y Ballarat’s staff will aim to pack and distribute two hundred gift bundles of goodies for underprivileged youth this upcoming festive season.

Giving initiative, Bags of Joy, is back for another year, designed to support and brighten Christmas for disadvantaged young people aged 12 to 21 who are need of a boost, and ensure they have something special to open on 25 December.

Organiser Maddison Hudson-Stepnell said The Y relies on donations so they have items to put in the bags once staff and volunteers get packing in late-November and early-December.

“In each bag we provide small gifts, whether its vouchers, wellness activities like colouring books or sports equipment, and toiletries,” she said.

“We are encouraging people to make online cash donations, so we have the flexibility to purchase things the young people need, or things we are running low on.”

Specifically supporting the teen and young adult age group is something Ms Hudson-Stepnell said is key, as donations of toys, books, or equipment to community giving appeals are often more age appropriate for small children.

“The 12 to 21 year olds can be forgotten, so it’s really important we remember and treat the older demographic who might otherwise miss out on presents at Christmas,” she said.

Organisers will soon call out for registrations from parents, carers, organisations, and schools who know a young person in need of a Bag of Joy.

Once staff and volunteers have made up the packages, they can be picked up from The Y Ballarat’s office at Barkly Square, Ballarat East.

Ms Hudson-Stepnell said any financial donations to the Bags of Joy program are tax deductible. Visit yballarat.org.au/bags-of-joy to give online or drop into The Y Ballarat office.