In an unprecedented year for Central Queensland, vulnerable families need your help this Christmas

In an unprecedented year for Central Queensland, vulnerable families need your help this festive season more than ever. Find out how you can help here:

Christmas 2021 is going to be a tough one for many families, making the The Observer’s Adopt a Family campaign more important than ever as it helps deliver some festive cheer to those who need it most.

Every year registered charities and welfare agencies step up to support struggling families but in 2021 the challenge has been intensified with so many people impacted by job losses, financial stress and isolation from family in the wake of COVID-19 and associated restrictions.

The Observer is proud to launch the Adopt A Family 2021 campaign and connect those who want to help with those who need a helping hand.

This campaign has been running for more than 25 years and it’s a tradition we are determined to maintain in what has been an incredibly difficult year.

Editor Melanie Plane said she was proud to launch this year’s campaign.

“Those who can afford to give a little at this time can have a huge impact on those who are facing a bleak Christmas,” she said.

“Every year we hear stories about how these hampers of non-perishable food and toys are the only bright spot in the day for families who just can’t afford to make the day special for their children.

“In a year like 2021 it seems even more important to be able to match the charities who are helping those in need with the people who have the capacity to donate.

“The people who volunteer with the charities tell us the joy on the recipients’ faces as they take their hampers is really quite special and they can see how much these generous gifts mean to them.

“We know that for many these hampers of donated goods and toys are the only taste of Christmas cheer they will enjoy.”

Today The Observer is publishing a list of families the associated charities know are in need of support. Readers can choose a family they want to “adopt”.

Anglicare Gladstone Adopt a Family 2021 family list.

Uniting Care 2021 Adopt a Family

Uniting Care 2021 Adopt a Family cont.

To “adopt” a family contact the charity published with the list of families and register your details.

All hampers are to be delivered to the nominated drop-off points and from there the charities will hand them over to the families in time for Christmas Day.

Hampers can contain non-perishable goods, toys suitable for the ages listed. No alcohol or perishable food can be included.

No families will be identified at any stage, however they will be listed by gender and age so adoptees can know just a little about what the family might need (for example the list might include mum, dad, kids aged 10, 8 and 2).