Grace Wilkinson, PICAL reception volunteer and 2024 Christmas hamper organiser sharing a typical Christmas hamper bag full of goodies for community members.
This year PICAL is again organising Christmas hampers for community members who utilise their services.
PICAL is hoping the community can help by donating cash or goods for the hampers.
Over the last few weeks, they have been asking Centrelink and pantry customers if they would like a Christmas hamper.
The list is growing and PICAL expects to give out 180 singles/couples hampers and 60 family hampers this festive season.
More hampers will be supplied to the Cowes Early Learning Centre for users of their services.
Donations
Already groups such as Newhaven kindergarten, Woolworths and Voices, Interest and Education for Women (VIEW) are donating to the PICAL hampers, said centre manager David Rooks.
The kindergarten is making wrapped Christmas gifts and Woolworths is providing the Christmas hamper bags. VIEW is donating nonperishable products including Christmas related food such as puddings, custard and tinned ham.
"These types of donations are perfect as they are long lasting and the Christmas items are a special treat for this time of the year."
As part of its weekly orders from Food Bank, pantry coordinator Erena Norfolk has been ordering any Christmas goods that are available.
"They are rare to come by but purchased at very cheap prices through Food Bank," Erena explained.
PICAL is happy to receive cash donations to offset the money already spent on Food Bank Christmas gifts.
Cash donations can be made in person or online at www.pical.org.au.
Food items can be dropped off between 9am and 3pm weekdays.
Businesses in town may also get a visit from PICAL volunteers asking for donations.
"The assistance from both business and individuals is really appreciated, and this helps support community organisations such as ours to stock the Christmas hampers," Erena said.
Suitable donations for PICAL are nonperishable food items, toiletries, and pet food.
If you have any queries regarding PICAL Christmas hampers, including organising donation pick-ups, please ring reception on 5952 1131.
The cut off date for donating goods to PICAL is Friday December 13 with the hampers distributed the following week.
