Uniting Church Christmas Drive off and racing

BENDIGO South Uniting Church Cluster’s Emergency Relief service has launched its 2025 Christmas Toy Drive.

Since 2016, the Drive has helped to provide Christmas presents to hundreds of local children and assisted families with food relief in the lead up to the festive season.

Unwrapped new toys for ages 0-16 and non-perishable or specialty Christmas food items are some of the in-demand products that can dropped off at Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church in Camp Street Kangaroo Flat between 9am and 1pm on Tuesdays and Fridays during the campaign.

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said increased pressures on family budgets mean that it’s been a difficult year for many people in Central Victoria.

“Bendigo is such a generous community – we take care of each other and together we can help make Christmas special for those families worse off than our own,” she said.

“(Relief service coordinator) Max and his team of amazing volunteers do an excellent job at helping some of the most vulnerable families in our community – they really are committed to making sure every child has a Merry Christmas.”

Uniting Emergency Relief’s drop-in centre is open at Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am to 2.30pm and on Thursday mornings by appointment.

The service can help community members with food, chemist bills,petrol for sickness and urgent appointments, school fees and uniforms, advice on managing finances, agency referrals and clothing vouchers for Uniting Op Shops.

Its phone number during opening hours is 5443 5458.