As we are drawing close to the festive season, the Salvation Army is encouraging locals to come together to help those going through hard times.
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Christmas can be tough for people living in poverty and struggling to afford basics such as food. Many people will also spend the festive season alone.
"What we found after conducting a survey in the community is that people are really struggling for food," Captain Tuesday McCall from The Salvation Army said.
"If anyone would like to donate hamper or food items, they can visit the Salvos store or the Salvos Connect.
"If people would like to donate toys and gift vouchers, we can give them to families that are struggling during the Christmas period.
"The gift vouchers are helpful too because the families can use them to buy presents for the children."
We helped several families in Goulburn with hampers and toys last Christmas. The numbers are likely to increase this year.
- Captain Tuesday McCall
Donations can be left at the Kmart Wishing Tree or dropped off at 6 Hovell Street, Wednesday and Thursday, between 10am to 1pm.
Christmas is the busiest time of year for the Salvos. The Salvation Army in the Goulburn region is running its annual Christmas Cheer operation and providing toys and food for those in need. It also prepares for a special Christmas Day service at 9.30am.
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"We helped 95 families in Goulburn with hampers and toys last year during Christmas," Captain McCall said.
"The numbers are likely to increase this year. It's been a tough year for everybody and the drought is not helping."
She has appreciated the participation of the community in trying to make it better for those going through hard times.
"The Goulburn community has been generous in helping us every year. We will appreciate the support given to us to keep it going. Together, we are better," she said.
For more information about what The Salvation Army is doing at Christmas locally and across Australia, visit their website salvationarmy.org.au.
If you need emergency assistance, call 1300 371 288 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).
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