Tess Delbridge | December 23rd, 2016 11:56 AM
A staggering 2.9 million Australians are living in poverty, but programmes such as Toys ‘n’Tucker bring joy to those who struggle at Christmas.
Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker is an annual outpouring of generosity that sees hampers of food and gifts delivered to families in need during the Christmas season.
This year, about 3,500 food hampers have been created, to give out to community members who need a little help. On top of that, about 3,000 toy hampers have been packaged up.
“People are incredibly generous, I was really struck by that the first time I did it. But I’m also struck by the need.” – Janice, volunteer
In the weeks before Christmas, 20 volunteers turn up to Anglicare’s warehouse in Villawood to pack the hampers.
Janice, a volunteer, says, “people are incredibly generous. I was really struck by that the first time I did it. But I’m also struck by the need – to see how many families actually need this help at Christmas is very sobering.”
The hampers are then delivered to Anglicare distribution centres across Sydney, where families can come and collect their hampers in the days leading up to Christmas.
One recipient of a hamper says, “For me, to receive this hamper – it helps me and my kids get through the Christmas break. The whole year has been a struggle … and having that extra food from Anglicare is great.”
Pray
Some prayer points to help
Thank God for the generosity of Aussies in donating to Toys ‘n’ Tucker this year. Pray that the hampers would bring joy to those who receive them.
Read Next
Events to spark your Christmas cheer
Top ten advent resources for 2023
Jesus from 'The Chosen' on season 4 and playing the Messiah
The eternal hope in a world of despair
What to watch this Easter (plus Eternity's highest rated movies)
The eternal hope in a world of despair
Why the good news of Easter must start with bad news
Saying goodbye to a national treasure
Mining for gospel gems in Coober Pedy
What does real Christian community look like?
Aussie Christians worth reading about – part two
World champ rower and MegaVoice creator: the Tom Treseder story
When did you last take out the garbage?
Latest
A hectic season of weddings in Congo
David and Jenny Juniper are CMS missionaries training Christian leaders in DR Congo. David preaches…
Should Christian ministers quit digital technology?
Two years ago, I tripped and fell into a PhD in digital theology, researching what…