By Jessica Anstice
Casey North Community Information and Support Service have been assisting the local community in the City of Casey with Christmas Hampers for 21 years.
Every year this need grows and this year is no different with over 300 hampers needed for families and couples that come to them for help.
The organisation relies on the support of the community to provide donations of Christmas food and fare to fill this enormous demand.
“This year we have had an increase in the demand for our Emergency Relief program, families are doing it tough and finding it hard to make ends meet,” Casey North Community Information and Support Service executive officer Susan Magee said. “It is really difficult when back to school costs, Christmas and school holidays all fall at the same time.
“Something has got to give.”
Many families are already living on a shoe string budget and find it hard to extend their expenses so that they can enjoy such special treats.
Children don’t get to do the ‘cool’ stuff in the holidays and often miss out on presents altogether.
The organisation has been encouraging those that can afford to, to buy a little extra in the shop over the next couple of weeks to donate to the appeal.
All donations can be dropped off at the Casey North Community Information and Support Service Victor Crescent, Narre Warren site and if you don’t have time to shop but want to donate, you can do so by visiting their website www.caseynorthciss.com.au and making a cash donation.
