Hampers give hope to those in need

Cardinia Mayor Jeff Springfield, Pakenham Salvation Army''s Belinda and Dale Saunders, Follow Church and the Blessed Collective''s Luke Williams, PC3''s Richard and Leslie Schoenmaker, ADRA''s Deb Fricke and Rebecca Auriant, and Salvation Army''s Amanda.

By Jessica Anstice

Community elves are to the rescue this year, delivering the Cardinia Christmas Hamper program which will run from Monday 9 to Friday 13 December.

The hamper program is a collaborative approach with The Salvation Army, ADRA, PC3 Church and Follow Baptist Church, along with supportive local organisations and schools.

The groups have together coordinated the creation and distribution of 600 Christmas hampers to local families in need.

“The working group would like to acknowledge the many local groups and organisations who have donated goods,” Cardinia Christmas Hamper Program chairwoman Rebecca Auriant said.

“In wonderful news, no further donations for the hamper program are required for 2019, but

community members wishing to donate items are encouraged to call the Salvation Army.”

Community members experiencing hardship who would like to receive a Christmas hamper can register at the Follow Church website or call the Salvation Army on 5941 4906.