Agape calls for community support to help 2000 people this Christmas

AGAPE Outreach Inc. has launched its annual Christmas appeal, gearing up to support up to 2,000 people in need, including local families, rough sleepers, and individuals doing it tough across the region.

Every year, the charity provides a Christmas lunch, food hampers, and presents to ensure that no one goes without at least a few simple provisions during the festive season.

This year, Agape will again deliver gift packs to people living on the streets and in hidden homelessness, alongside toys and gifts for children, and Christmas food hampers filled with all the essentials for a holiday meal.

Agape founder and director Theresa Mitchell said the charity depended on the goodwill of the Northern Rivers community to support people who are struggling.

“For many of the people we support, Christmas is the hardest time of year,” Mitchell said.

“Our goal is to make sure everyone feels seen, valued, and cared for, even if it’s just through a warm meal, a thoughtful gift, or a smile.”

Local businesses and the broader community can support the appeal by donating food items such as hams, turkey rolls, puddings, and drinks for the Agape Christmas Party, hosting a Christmas Giving Tree at their workplace to collect gifts and donations, and sponsoring a Christmas meal for $25.

Donated gift suggestions for adults and children (male and female) include toiletries, perfume, aftershave, sneakers, wallets, colouring books and pens, kids’ socks, age-relevant toys and gift cards for petrol, phone recharge, coffee, and food.

Unwrapped gift donations can be dropped off at Agape Outreach, 56 Recreation Street, Tweed Heads, or collected by arrangement for larger contributions.

For information, call (07) 5293 7154 or visit agapeoutreachinc.com