Donations encouraged as Christmas Hamper Drive commences

THE dedicated team of volunteers at Torquay Food Aid (TFA) is thankful for donations for its annual Christmas Hamper drive, but is calling on the community for more items in the lead up to Christmas.

TFA volunteer Michael Buckley and his team at Pimelea Way, Torquay, received a sizeable consignment of goods from its collection point at Woolworths North Torquay, which are now stocked on its shelves for those who need it most.

“We’re probably lucky to get a shopping bag’s worth of donations each week nowadays, so to receive this amount of donations is certainly a good sign,” Mr Buckley said.

Mr Buckley urged residents to drop whatever items they can at TFA’s two collection points; Woolworths North Torquay and Torquay IGA, to assist with this year’s Christmas hampers.

In addition to requested hygienic products such as tampons and pads, and regular non-perishable items, TFA is seeking Christmas specific items prior to Christmas, including pretzels, chips, chocolates, tinned ham, bon bons, nuts, mince pies, plum puddings, soft drink and fruit juice.

Mr Buckley said with more young families starting to moving to the area, primarily at Armstrong Creek, TFA’s resources has spread thin in recent years. “We’ll keep receiving donations up until the day before we give out the hampers, which would be December 20,” Mr Buckley said.

“On December 21, we’ll gift those in need with their hamper in addition to what we normally provide, so the day is quite a lovely one in the sense of community spirit.

“That’s really what this time of the year is all about, everyone enjoys getting their families together over Christmas.

“It’s always nice to provide some extra nibblies and treats that one might not normally have.”

People interested in donating Christmas items or general donations can drop them at collection points or message the group’s Facebook page to organise a pick-up or drop-off.

Torquay Food Aid is located on 2 Pimelea Way, Torquay, behind the church.