List: Toowoomba charities launch Christmas appeals to support struggling families

This Christmas, The Chronicle has launched a rolling story of every charity’s appeals during the holidays to support the region’s less fortunate. Find out how you can get involved here:

Toowoomba is known for its incredible charities and not-for-profit organisations which support some of the region’s most disadvantaged residents and families.

This Christmas, The Chronicle has launched a rolling story of every charity’s appeals during the holidays.

It includes what organisations need and when they need it by, along with contact details.

Note: Charities and groups wishing to be part of our Christmas Appeal mega-list can send an email with details to [e-mail] before Friday December 16, 2022.

LIFELINE DARLING DOWNS

Major not-for-profit operator Lifeline is focusing on housing for this year’s Christmas Appeal, urging residents to donate to support people struggling to keep a roof over their head.

In its letter to locals, CEO Grant Simpson highlighted the story of Susie (not her real name), a real Toowoomba woman who was living rough after escaping domestic violence.

“Susie arrived in Toowoomba with nothing to her name. No money, no car, no friends, no family and nowhere safe to spend the night,” he said.

“And while we will never turn away anyone who needs our help, it has never been more difficult to give Susie the help she needs.

“A few years ago, we may have been able to find her an affordable place to live in Toowoomba while she recovered from her trauma.

“But now, there are no places available to rent in the area and for people at risk of homelessness, there are very few options.”

People who would like to donate can head to the website at www.lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au/donate.

BASE SERVICES

Frances Holmes (right) is are ready for the annual Christmas Day lunch for the homeless with help from Tiff and Nat Spary of Base Services, Monday, November 8, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Longstanding charity the BASE Services wants residents to support the annual Christmas Day Lunch, which has been run by Peter and Frances Holmes for nearly 20 years.

The Toowoomba tradition offers meals and hampers to families and individuals with nowhere else to go.

BASE Services co-ordinator Tiff Spary said donations were still needed to create the hampers.

“It is fantastic to once again be partnering with Frances to make sure no one misses out this Christmas, as many of the people we serve down at the Basement do not have anywhere to go and celebrate,” she said.

“We also give attendees Christmas hampers, we try and make them individualised so while they all have similar contents we think about people’s circumstances.

“For example if we are giving to someone who is homeless we think how much can they carry by giving them a smaller and lighter hamper with vouchers.

“We also consider whether the person has access to kitchen facilities and the age of the recipient.

“For children we will give a small gift, Christmas activities with some Christmas goodies.”

The lunch will be held at St Luke’s Hall on Christmas Day from 11.30am.

Donations can be dropped off at 9 Thomas Street in Toowoomba City by Thursday December 15.

For details, contact the BASE Services by calling 0437 454 352 or [e-mail].

For people sleeping rough, residents can donate:

• Rice crackers, lolly bags, chips, can openers, small Christmas puddings, gift vouchers, nuts, deodorant, socks, combs, Le Snaks, poppers, soft drinks, carry bags, biscuits, candy canes, tuna/chicken cans, baked beans, lip balm, long-life custard and milk, fruit cups, noodle cups.

For families and people with access to kitchen facilities, please donate:

• Biscuits, chocolates, Christmas cakes, salsa, decorations, mince pies, soft drinks, plum puddings, serviettes, carry bags, chips, lollies, Christmas crackers, corn chips, candy canes, juice, nuts, long-life custard, tinned fruit, combs

SALVATION ARMY

Captain Dale Murray, Corps Officer, The Salvation Army Toowoomba in 2020.

The local chapters of the Salvation Army still need donations of gifts and food as part of a massive $3.1m Christmas Appeal across Queensland.

Toowoomba Corps’ Natalie Hodson said the organisation was expecting even greater demand for services during this festive season due to the rising cost in living.

“If you can afford to lend a hand or make a donation, you’ll be making a huge difference to those who are really struggling,” Ms Hodson said.

“We are in need of toys for all ages, which can be dropped off at 119 West Street.

“For those needing food or gifts, or feeling down or lonely this Christmas, please reach out to us at Toowoomba Salvation Army Corps by calling 4632 7206 or 0467 727 172.”

People can also support the Salvos by shopping at its stores for Christmas presents.

You can find all the Christmas event information at salvationarmy.org.au/events.

Donations can also be made in person at any Salvos Store and Kmart store, or round up your instore purchase at any Myer store.

Alex and Danielle Neighbour with their premature twins Wren and Ivy.

TOOWOOMBA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

The foundation’s Christmas Appeal will this year focus on raising $350,000 by December 25 for the Toowoomba Hospital’s neonatal unit, which provides lifesaving treatment for up to 12 babies in the ward at a time.

Ambassadors for the appeal this year are Dannielle and Alex Neighbour, who welcomed identical twin daughters Ivy and Wren in May at just 30 weeks.

Spending almost 10 weeks in hospital, the twins received around-the-clock care from a dedicated team of nurses, doctors and medical professionals helping to give them the best possible start in life.

“The staff at Toowoomba Hospital are absolutely amazing, we couldn’t have asked for a better team of people to help look after the girls,” Ms Neighbour said.

The THF has nearly hit its goal, but you can donate by heading to the website.

Originally published as List: Toowoomba charities launch Christmas appeals to support struggling families