Local organisations are taking Christmas donations to help those in need
With the rising cost of living, many families are doing it tough this Christmas. Here’s a list of five local charities you can support to spread a little cheer this festive season.
One Meal
One Meal Northern Beaches is aiming to fill more than 5,000 hampers this Christmas to provide food and comfort to those in need in the community. Empty hamper boxes can be collected now, and must be returned filled (not closed) by 21 November. The charity takes donations of non-perishable food staples like biscuits, pasta, pancake mix, instant noodles and more. They also welcome plum puddings, small Christmas decorations and gift vouchers. They cannot take alcohol, fresh food, out-of-date or second-hand products. One Meal welcomes special dietary hampers, such as gluten-free, and ask that these products be labelled.
To get involved, fill out a registration form at onemeal.org.au/hampers
Pick-up and drop off locations:
- One Meal, 12 Powells Road, Brookvale
- Mona Vale Library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale
- Services NSW, Warriewood Square, Jacksons Road
- Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps, Shops 1&2/1238-1246 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen
Anglicare Toys ‘n’ Tucker
Pittwater Anglican Church will be collecting new, packaged toys and Christmas-related non-perishable food during November for its Toys ‘n’ Tucker hampers. The community can donate tinned goods like ham and fish, Christmas puddings, mince pies, UHT custards, tea and coffee. Christmas crackers are welcome. Chocolates and fresh meats will not be accepted. Parish office manager Sue Dunn says the Neon Youth Group from the Newport, Mona Vale and Avalon churches make up the hampers in early December, which are then donated to families in need.
Donation point:
- St John’s Anglican Church, 1642 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale
LocalKind
Council libraries will be participating in the annual LocalKind Christmas Wishing Tree Appeal from 14 November to 11 December. LocalKind will be taking donations of gift vouchers for retail, cinemas and fuel, and new items including cosmetics and sporting goods.
LocalKind offers a vital drop-in support to vulnerable individuals, addressing homelessness, domestic violence and refugee settlement challenges through tailored, trauma-informed assistance.
Donation points:
- Glen Street, Mona Vale and Avalon community libraries
See the council website for more information.
Support the scouts
Help support your local Scout group by buying a fresh Christmas tree! The 1st Terrey Hills Scouts and Upper Northern Beaches Rotary will be selling fresh trees on Saturday 6 December from 7am until sold out. Funds raised will be divided between the scout group, which is saving for camping equipment, and Rotary, who will distribute funds to charities in the area. Buy a tree at:
- Corner Mona Vale and Aumuna roads, Terrey Hills
- Corner Mona Vale and Kamber roads, Terrey Hills
Rotary Tree of Joy
Buy a gift for a child in need by taking part in the Tree of Joy, run by Upper Northern Beaches Rotary. Warriewood Square will have a tree on display, dressed with gift cards showing the recipient’s age, gender and suggested gift. Donors choose a card, buy an appropriate gift, and leave it under the tree, unwrapped. Beneficiaries this year are Vincentian House, Shine for Kids, Homes for Heroes Narrabeen, and Women and Children First, Dee Why. The Tree of Joy will run from 24 November to 17 December.
Tree location:
- Warriewood Square (near the food court), 12 Jacksons Road