Christmas salvation for families in need

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

The Salvation Army is celebrating its fifth Christmas of giving to families in need through their programme Adopt a Family.

The programme was set up in 2011 by retired officer major Jan Smithies to donate to struggling families at Christmas.

Sponsors provide hampers of presents and food to less off people in the community.

The Salvation Army community ministries coordinator Brenda King said it was a stressful time for families of a low income.

Children expect gifts and some families cannot provide that, she said.

'It's a humbling experience being on the receiving end.'

The hampers are all anonymous but sponsors know the ages and interests of family members they are donating to.

Sponsors ranged from corporate businesses to single people and families.

People just want to help those in need in the community, she said.

'A lot of families sponsor often to teach their children about giving and sharing.'

The hampers vary in size depending on what each sponsor can afford to give.

Packs often include a Christmas dinner with meat, potatoes and dessert, basics such as Weetbix, spaghetti and baked beans, and clothing, vouchers and toys, she said.

'They are a basic food hamper with a Christmas flavour.'

About 70 families benefited from the programme in 2011 and about 170 families received goods in 2015.

King said this year The Salvation Army is trying to reduce the number because of workload and lack of sponsors.

So far there are 70 families receiving hampers but it is expect to be about 100 this year, she said.

King wants to extend the programme so it is not limited to Christmas.

Once the 'Christmas buzz' is gone the families struggle for the rest of the year, she said.

Adopt a Family Plus was an idea to help families for one year to pay for school fees, camps, supplies, uniforms and childrens birthdays.