WHEN it comes time to dig in to help those in need at Christmas Ipswich has always been on the front foot.
So, it is this year with all charity groups asking residents to help them provide for those doing it tough.
For the past 10 years the Presbyterian Church run charity Ipswich Assist has been front and centre in the drive and have once again set a target of providing 500 free hampers and toy parcels.
The group’s Program Manager, Jason Budden, said many people were unaware that Christmas time was the period that recorded the highest number of suicides.
“We trust our Hampers of Hope appeal can bring some joy to those trying to cope in a very difficult period,” he said.
“Many find themselves in a lonely desperate place around Christmas as they sit at home with no money, no friends, and no presents to share.
“By embracing 500 needy families each year we hope we are showing them love and hope.”
Jason said Ipswich Assists’ Restore Supermarket at 21 South Street continues to operate every Thursday between 9 and 2 offering staple food items to anyone who calls in for just $1 each.
“Many people believe its only open to those families on the bread-line, but that’s not the case,” he said.
“Anyone who comes in and spends $30 will not only save on main food items they will also be making a donation of around $15 to us to help others.”
The CSI Club recently contributed $500 to Ipswich Assists’ Hampers of Hope appeal and the club also announced a food drive for its own Veteran’s Christmas Food Hamper Project.
Like Ipswich Assist they are asking for non-perishable food items to be dropped off. Details surrounding both appeals are on the Ipswich Assist and CSI Club websites.
