While Christmas can be a source of joy for many, for those struggling financially or feeling socially disconnected, the festive season can be a particularly tough time.
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The Salvos will be giving hope to those facing a hard time this festive season and you can help by taking part in their Wishing Tree Appeal.
The Salvation Army in Batemans Bay will run its annual Christmas Cheer operation to provide toys for those in need via donations to the Kmart Wishing Tree.
The appeal will take place at Kmart Batemans Bay until Christmas Eve. Leave an unwrapped gift under the tree or give a cash donation by purchasing a bauble gift tag.
Salvos’ Batemans Bay spokesperson Rachel Knight said gifts would be distributed to local children and families in need.
“We want to help parents be able to see joy on their kids’ faces with at least a few things on Christmas Day that they might not have been able to give them otherwise,” Ms Knight said.
“Particularly at Christmas time, it’s young families with kids we see the most. We see a lot of families with five to six kids and that would get really expensive at Christmas.
“There’s a lot of pressure for parents to provide things for their kids.”
The Salvos will also host a Christmas Day lunch on December 25 where guests can enjoy a three-course meal, great company and sing along to some carols.
“Lots of people are lonely around Christmas time,” Ms Knight said.
“They could either be disconnected from their family or may not have family who live close by.
“Particularly for people who have lost a loved one or a significant person in their life since the last Christmas, sometimes they just want somewhere where they can be around other people.”
Ms Knight said the service expected to hand out up to 65 hampers to locals in need this Christmas, with about 100 people anticipated for the Christmas Day lunch.
“We get a whole mix of people who come on Christmas Day and everybody is welcome,” she said.
“It’s not about whether you have money or you don’t, or whether you have family or you don’t, we’re happy to be a family for everybody on Christmas Day.”
To RSVP to the Salvos’ Christmas Day lunch, contact 4472 9644.