Uniting Christmas Drive now live

FEDERAL Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters visited Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church this week to help launch its annual Christmas Drive.

Since 2016, the Drive has provided Christmas presents to hundreds of local children and assisted families with food relief in the approach to the festive season.

Unwrapped new toys for ages 0-16 and non-perishable or specialty Christmas food items are particularly in-demand items that can be donated.

Ms Chesters said she first teamed up with Uniting Emergency Relief coordinator Max Blume several years ago when she asked how she could help, and Max mentioned they needed toys.

“Since then, we’ve worked together every year to bring joy to families who might otherwise struggle to afford Christmas presents,” she said.

“The toy drive doesn’t just help with gifts.

“It also eases some of the financial pressure people face. By receiving gifts, families can focus their budgets on essentials like paying bills and putting food on the table.

“Christmas should be a time for everyone to enjoy, not a luxury.”

Ms Chesters also commented on the “incredible job” Mr Blume and his team do in supporting local families.

“What I love about this initiative is how inclusive it is. Whether it’s for a child, a grandchild, or even a niece or nephew, they make sure that everyone can be part of the celebration,” she said.

Donations to the Uniting Christmas Drive can be made between 9am and 2.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays at Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church, 10 Camp Street.