Give some cheer with Social Futures Santa Sacks
Tis the season to give, and the not-for-profit organisation Social Futures is calling for donations to fill Christmas hampers for Northern Rivers residents in need.
Social Futures runs programs supporting people experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or in unstable housing across northern New South Wales.
Social Futures Housing, Homelessness and Employment Manager, Cathy Serventy, said factors like the 2022 floods, the cost of living, rising rents and a scarcity of housing had led to an increase in requests for help.
“There are a lot of people doing it tough. We are seeing a growing need for assistance right across our Northern Rivers footprint, and sadly, there are many who won’t have a place to call home this Christmas” she said.
Social Futures has been distributing Christmas hampers for many years, primarily through donations from staff, however Ms Serventy said there was now a call-out for donations from the public to meet increasing need.
“A lot of the time people want to contribute to our community, but just don’t know how. This is a great opportunity for people to help make Christmas Day brighter for others who aren’t so fortunate,” she said.
“The hampers will be filled with a mix of essential items and Christmas delights, so we are calling for donations of non-perishable food items, drinks, Christmas decorations, gifts of new socks, toiletries, underwear, children’s toys or books, and Christmas treats like chocolates or lollies.”
Donations can be delivered to Social Futures offices in:
Between 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday.
Donations are accepted from now until Thursday, 14 December.