Upper Spencer Gulf groups battling to provide Christmas essentials for struggling residents

Charity organisations in regional areas are struggling to keep up with calls for help ahead of Christmas, now grassroots groups are trying to fill the void.

A long-running South Australian charity has had to cut off Christmas assistance in the first week of December as it experiences a flurry of calls for assistance.

But amid the avalanche of requests during unprecedented cost of living pressures, a Port Augusta mum is turning in hours of her own time to fill the void.

Uniting Country partners with the Port Pirie council to help with requests for assistance during Christmas, and spokeswoman Anna Cornish said it was likely a tranche of calls for help would have to go unheeded.

“We’ve had a lot more requests than donations, it seems to be a tough time for everyone,” Ms Cornish said.

“We’ve essentially reached our maximum which is about 160 packages that we can put together quite successfully.

Foodhub volunteer Cathryn Dunnill preparing for Uniting Country's Christmas hamper program. Picture: Isaac Selby

“We’ve accepted everybody who has applied to date but we’ve had to cut it off yesterday, I suspect we’ll probably get another 20 or 30 requests where we will make up packages to the best of our ability.

“If people are in need we will always do our best to help.”

With Uniting Country – and other similar groups – facing demand pressure, Port Augusta mum Natalie Willis has decided to step up and help out in what is a largely individual effort.

Ms Willis this Christmas has set up a community pantry for those who are unable to access donation services, but are desperate for a quick solution to feed their family.

She said the response had been overwhelmingly emotional.

“I had one lady today who almost cried because she needed the help so badly,” she said.

“If you miss the cut-off times it can be hard to get appointments with some of these food organisations.

“I wanted to make things easier for people with less paperwork, without any judgment or shame.”

Natalie Willis has been running a grassroots community pantry in Port Augusta with help from her friend China. Picture: Natalie Willis

While Ms Willis was doing her best to fill the void, support group SPRING is putting on a Christmas Day BBQ lunch for anyone interested – extra support desperately needed in 2022.

SPRING volunteer Peter Hopkins said mental health services were another support group frequented over the Christmas period.

“Christmas for many people is not necessarily a great day, particularly in rural areas where it can be quite isolating for those that are away from their family and friends.

“Generally you’ll find in rural communities that people really support each other.”

He said, in areas like Peterborough – where SPRING is based – those services were particularly critical.

If you or someone you know needs assistance

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au

Domestic violence support: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or 1800respect.org.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890