Now in its fifth year, the appeal invites community members to fill a box over the course of 20 days to be donated the week before Christmas to those in need of a helping hand.
The initiative has grown over the past few years as demand for the boxes has grown, with the Neighbourhood House often needing to source more boxes.
Echuca Neighbourhood House staff member Alyx Jorgensen said the appeal is about lightening the load for some community members.
“The appeal is all about helping community members and lightening the mental load of a lot of people,” she said.
“If we can give them a big box of food, with some Christmas cheer, and that means they don’t have to stress about paying for groceries that week, and can use the money on presents or just be less stressed, then that’s a huge win.
“I know this is a tough time for many of us, but if you are able to get involved, please do, as it’s a great way to give back to your local community.”
Unlike a regular advent calendar, where people receive a gift, participants will instead put different items in an appeal box every day.
While non-perishables or items with an extended shelf life are always popular, snacks for kids and families, cereal, sugar, tea and coffee are also in high demand.
Other items can include:
- Canned fruit and vegetables
- Baked beans
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Crackers or biscuits
- Juice
- Milo
- Spreads - Vegemite, Peanut Butter, Jam, Honey
- Rice, pasta and noodles
- Cereal
- Muesli bars
- Shampoo, conditioner and soap
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Treats - chips, lollies, chocolate
- A Christmas item or two
Community members can pick up boxes, that have been kindly decorated by local kids in the SchoolsOut program, from the Echuca Neighbourhood House from Monday to Thursday between 9.30am to 2.30pm.
Once boxes are filled, they can be returned to the Echuca Neighbourhood House, which will then distribute the boxes through its own network and with the help of other local organisations.
Participants are reminded to pack boxes with both light and heavy items and to ensure the boxes aren’t overfilled so they can be shut and sealed.
Businesses or schools who would like to get involved can contact Echuca Neighbourhood House on 03 5482 6914
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