By Tanya Steele
Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) in Belgrave is gathering donations for those in need this year, with food and gifts needed.
Festive philanthropy is in full swing and DRERS is asking for unwrapped gifts for infants to 17 year olds and food items for hampers.
Chief executive officer Tania Bevan said it has been a big year for food relief.
“The cost of living is really having an impact on the most vulnerable people in our community,” she said.
“It’s been difficult – however the support of people who fund and donate to us is what makes the difference.”
“The Christmas program makes a world of difference to people they really look forward to it – with the cost of living Christmas is just another thing they can’t afford.”
“The hampers are really good because they can take them to share with others.”
Volunteer at DRERS Kevin Gray said the annual Christmas appeal is vital for families in the area to enjoy food and gifts for the season.
“We have it every year, our families can’t afford Christmas presents,” he said.
“I have been involved with the appeal for over 10 years, it’s so important to pass the word around.”
Ms Bevan said that while DRERS annual Christmas program is taking donations that finding gifts for teens can sometimes be hard.
“Things like gift vouchers for teens are ideal and we like the gifts to be unwrapped,” she said.
“People can drop them with us or the library, whatever is easiest.”
Mr Gray said with the cost of living placing extra pressure on the season, smaller gifts and things like sporting gifts are highly valued.
“A thing like a cricket bat or a netball – to have your own and to play with friends is a real plus,” he said.
Food hampers will be assembled by mid-December and DRERS are looking for all sorts of shelf-stable festive cheer, from custard and crackers to gravy, pudding and pet food.
Ms Bevan said they pack the hampers and also lay out a table so people can pick out some extra festive food.
“When you are doing your own shopping, we’re looking for exactly what you would get for your own table,” she said.
Ms Bevan said DRERS really want to thank the community for all the help they get.
“We can’t thank people enough – every donation small or big makes a huge difference,” she said.
On Tuesday 17 December, the donated gifts will be given to families, along with the Christmas hampers.
DRERS is taking donations both at the DRERS office at the Belgrave Community Hub at 1616/1624 Burwood Highway and at the Belgrave Library on Reynolds Lane.
DRERS is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm and you can email enquire@drers.org.au or phone 9754 7777.
“It’s Christmas is all about – getting together and celebrating the joys we can have in the world,” said Ms Bevan.
