Since 2016, the program has helped to provide Christmas presents to hundreds of local children and assisted families with food relief in the lead up to the festive season.

Unwrapped new toys (still in packaging) for ages 0-16 and non-perishable or specialty Christmas food items are in-demand items that can be donated.

Uniting’s emergency relief operation remains temporarily relocated to the Y Service Club of Kangaroo Flat following last year’s devastating fire.

Throughout the year, Uniting’s emergency relief centre assists several thousand local people by providing food, financial assistance, advocacy, household goods and clothing.

Donations to the Uniting Christmas Drive can be made between 9am-2.30pm Tuesdays and Fridays at the Y Service Club of Kangaroo Flat, 10 Lockwood Rd, Kangaroo Flat.

Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP:

"Bendigo is a generous community. We take care of our own. Together we can help make Christmas special for a local family worse off than ours.

“Increased pressures on family budgets with the rise in the cost of living mean that it’s been a difficult year for many people in Central Victoria, and this will be felt strongly during the holidays.

"We are fortunate to have a network of not-for-profit organisations who work especially hard at this time of year to alleviate some of the financial stress and loneliness felt by many in our local community.”