Packin' the christmas kilos

You may have seen the green donation bins in the auditorium and wondered what they were. We catch up with Lorraine Pfeffer to find out more about the kilo of  kindness...

Who do the Christmas hampers go to?

The Christmas hampers go to  folk both in the church family and the wider community, including some single-parent families, elderly, and those alone.

Why do we do it?

We do it as an expression of practical love and care, and encouragement, to people in material and financial need or others who have had a challenging year. It's a way of expressing God's compassion and kindness, of giving out of our plenty, and it lets people know they are not forgotten. In a place like ashgrove, it's easy to forget that some within the church family and wider community are isolated and without support, and still others are overwhelmed by pressing needs such as bills, food and accommodation.

When is the cut off date for donations?

The last Sunday is this coming week-end (18th); however, we can accept donations at the church office up until the cob Tuesday (20th)

How many hampers are you aiming to make?

We hope to put together approximately twenty hampers if there are sufficient donations.

Do you make different ones for men and  women?

The size and contents of the hampers vary according to the person/situation - for example, whether it's an elderly man on his own that we wish to encourgage or a single mum with children who is trying to make things stretch on a tight budget. It's good to be able to give something special, a treat, alongside basics.

What can be donated?

♥ Juice
♥ Soft drinks/poppers
♥ Christmas cakes/cake mixes
♥ Shortbread/bikkies/crackers
♥ Mince pies
♥ Sweets/Chocolate
♥ Coffee/tea/milo/drinking choc
♥ Pasta
♥ Sauces
♥ Tins of fruit/corn/beetroot/potato salad/ham/puddings
♥ Other possible ways of supporting this initiative are a financial donation or purchasing a grocery voucher from Coles or Woolies.