How support the Western Downs community and people doing it tough this festive season

With many families strugging to put food on the table and presents under the tree amid the cost of living crisis, here’s how you can give back to those in need.

Helping Hands Dalby

With the season of giving now upon us and more people than ever in need of a helping hand, here’s how you can give back across the Western Downs this festive season.

Helping Hands Outreach Project Dalby

Helping Hands are once again running their annual Christmas hamper appeal. Community members are being encouraged to donate gifts to ensure everyone has the opportunity to open a present with their families this Christmas. Helping Hands say they have already donated gift hampers to 22 families and are looking to continue to support people throughout December. Donations can be made at 48 Cooper St, Dalby.

Dalby Leagues Club

Dalby Leagues Club have joined forces with Helpings Hands to collect donation of food and non-perishables to make sure everyone gets a warm meal on Christmas Day. Donations can be dropped off at the Dalby Leagues Club’s clubhouse.

Dalby Family Support Association

Dalby Family Support Association are running an ‘Adopt a Family this Christmas’ charity scheme giving community members the opportunity to select a family in need, and purchase them a hamper of gifts and non-perishables. Donations can be made to 4C Jimbour St at a prearranged time. People are encouraged to contact Dalby Family Support Association via their website here.

Vinnies Dalby/Chinchilla

Vinnies will also be providing Christmas hampers this year and are asking for food and non-perishables. Donations can be made at the Vinnies stores 93-95 Cunningham St, Dalby and 120 Heeney & Mayne streets, Chinchilla.

The Salvation Army Dalby

The Salvation Army say they are also looking for food donations this Christmas, in particular sweet treats such as Christmas pudding, custard, lollies, soft drinks and zooper doopers. They said they have already been giving out hampers for most of December and gifting toys to families. They have also asked for donations of tin foods and non-perishables that can be kept and donated after Christmas. Donations can be made at 7 Alfred St, Dalby any time before December 22.

Lifeblood

Lifeblood are seeking both blood and financial donations this festive season with need at a yearly high. Queensland historically has low statewide blood stocks in mid-December and experiences a big drop in blood donations just before Christmas. The festive season also brings a spike in serious and fatal traffic crashes as holiday makers travel on mass, visiting friends and family. Donations can be made here.

LifeFlight

LifeFlight are aiming to raise $1m this Christmas to support their critical care doctor program. LifeFLight are a crucial service for regional communities ensuring those living hours away from the nearest hospitals can receive treatment. Thanks to LifeFLight a patient is helped every 64 minutes. Donations can be made here.

If you want to add to this list, contact [e-mail].

Originally published as How support the Western Downs community and people doing it tough this festive season