The Batemans Bay corps distributes Christmas hampers to needy families in the community and is facing unprecedented demand.

“We set a limit of 60 hampers based on last year’s figures, but only a week in and we have 32 names down already for hampers,” Salvation Army Captain Ross Holland said.

“We are getting more and more requests for children’s toys. We have asked the financial department if we can stretch our budget.

“We are reviewing everything at the moment.”

Mr Holland said the Batemans Bay corps had seen an increase in the number of people seeking help in recent months.

“The federal Budget hasn’t helped, everyone knows that,” he said.

“People are doing it tough and they are scared to spend money.

“Insolvency is a real issue here. The cost of rent has gone up but pensions haven’t. Substance abuse is high in Batemans Bay.” 

He said that pain in  people’s wallets often spread to the heart.

“When people are struggling financially they often feel very alone,” he said.

“We are encouraging the people of Batemans Bay to reach out to those who feel vulnerable.”

Rather than just talking about how tough it is, the Batemans Bay corps is doing something about it.

“We have given our youth group $25 each to buy presents for teenagers to be put in the hampers,” he said.

“We’re proud of the kids because they want to be part of the solution.”

The Combined Churches of Batemans Bay corps will again hold a Christmas Day luncheon for the most needy in the community at the corps headquarters on the Old Princes Highway.