By Deborah Sugirthakumar
December is a special time, a time for family, love, and giving. This year, my little boy turned three, and I wanted to teach him one of the most important lessons of Christmas: the joy of giving. Together, we collected toys and food hampers and handed them to the Salvation Army in Werribee. Watching him give with his tiny hands reminded me that kindness, no matter how small, is a gift that stays in the heart forever.
Not every family experiences the joy of Christmas. For some, this season is stressful, worrying about putting food on the table, paying bills, or finding gifts for their children. Across our western suburbs there are caring communities ready to help families in need and make sure no one feels alone.
In Hobsons Bay, the 2025 Christmas Drive is running from 20 October to 12 December. Donations of long-life milk, tinned food, snacks, toys, and treats can be dropped at council sites and libraries in Altona, Newport, Laverton, and Williamstown. Every donation, big or small, brings hope and joy.
Contact the Council on 1300 179 944 or
email commdev@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au for details.
Uniting Wyndham is running the Gifts for Families Appeal at 3 Duncans Road, Werribee, from 10am to 2.30pm (Mon–Wed, Fri). Toys, food, or gift cards will bring smiles to children and take pressure off struggling families.
Call (03) 9051 2000 to learn how to help or receive support.
In Brimbank, families needing help this Christmas can contact The Salvation Army to see if they are eligible for a Christmas food hamper or other support. They can also provide information about local services. Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House has a community pantry every Wednesday and can help connect families with other support programs.
Meanwhile in Maribyrnong the Les Twentyman Foundation is inviting local businesses to take part in its Giving Tree Initiative, collecting new toys for children and young people in need.
To get involved or host a Giving Tree, please contact Carly at carly@ltfoundation.au for further information.
Sadly, Christmas can also be a difficult time for mental health, and domestic violence can increase during the holidays. If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unsafe, please reach out.
Lifeline (13 11 14) offers 24-hour emotional support, and 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) provides help for domestic violence. Asking for support is a brave and important step.
This season, as I watch my son learn about giving, I am reminded that Christmas is not about expensive gifts, but about love, care, and compassion. A simple act of kindness can make a huge difference and bring light to someone’s life.
This Christmas, let’s open our hearts to give, to share, and to bring hope. Because the true spirit of Christmas lives not in what we receive, but in the love we share.
