The holidays are often full of joy, but for many in the community, it can be a difficult time.
Heleasville Inter-Church Community Care Inc, the Philanthropic Collective and Holy Fools are teaming up to help struggling families this Christmas, with donation points around the Yarra Ranges where people can drop off food and goods for those in need.
One drop-off point is below the giving tree at Casey MP Aaron Violi’s office, located at Suite 11, 1 East Ridge Drive Chirnside Park.
Mr Violi said he was inspired to help out by Neil Taylor and Holy Fools, who he met through the Lilydale Township Group.
“Once I became the MP, it just felt like a really good opportunity to use the office and to use my profile to assist Neil and also other organizations to bring more food and more hampers to help those in need,” he said.
“We’re obviously going through a really significant cost of living crisis, which is what it is for a lot of people and so there are more people than ever that need assistance.”
The Life Ministry Church in Healesville recently dropped off 10 hampers for the donation drive and Mr Violi said it is quite easy for others seeking to contribute to take part.
“We’re open at the office here from 9am to 5pm, so just come in and talk to the team here, let them know and leave food under the tree,” he said.
“If they can’t make it to Chirnside I would urge people to look on the Holy Fools website, have a look at HICCCI and the Philanthropic Collective’s website as well, and donate to one of their collection points.”
The best donations are non-perishable items like canned foods but also Christmas foods like chocolate and biscuits for a special treat.
Mr Violi said Christmas was a great time to take a moment to check on those in your local community.
“While it’s such a joyful time for us all, not everyone is having a great time and just checking in making a phone call and saying Merry Christmas I’m thinking of you can really make a difference,” he said.
“We’ve had a big three years as a community and I urge everyone to check in on your friends, neighbours and family.”
