PICAL's Christmas Hamper Appeal

Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) has launched its annual Christmas Hamper Appeal to help bring Christmas cheer to local households doing it tough.

Each year, the appeal brings the community together to help make sure that more locals can enjoy a taste of Christmas.

With PICAL's Emergency Food Relief Pantry now supporting around 30 households every day, up from 25, the need for community support has grown this year.

"Every day, we see local individuals and families who are doing it tough," explains David Rooks, Centre Manager at PICAL.

"Christmas can be an even more challenging time and we want to help make the season a little brighter by providing a hamper filled with festive food items,"
"These hampers will go to people who are already connected with PICAL - individuals and families we know, support and stand beside throughout the year.

"So, we're asking our generous community to get behind the appeal and help us bring a little Christmas cheer to households right here on Phillip Island."

Festive food donations needed

PICAL is seeking donations of non-perishable, Christmas-themed food items to help fill its hampers, including: Tinned ham; Christmas cake and pudding; UHT custard; Mince pies; Shortbread and other festive biscuits; Chocolates and lollies; Bon bons (Christmas crackers); Gluten-free Christmas treats and food options.

Cash donations are also welcome to help PICAL purchase additional items needed to complete the hampers.

The appeal is specifically for Christmas-themed food items. Toys and toiletries are not being collected this year. Other non-Christmas food donations will be redirected to PICAL's Emergency Food Relief Pantry to support ongoing community needs.

How can you help?

Donations of non-perishable, Christmas-themed food items can be dropped off at PICAL, 16 Warley Avenue, Cowes, between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, until Friday December 11.

Cash donations are also welcome.

Community members are encouraged to organise collection drives through their schools, workplaces, businesses or community groups and to spread the word among friends and family.

"Our Christmas hamper appeal is about more than food," David concludes.
"It's about connection and showing people that they are part of a community that really does care.

"Every donation, big or small, helps us make Christmas a little brighter for local households who need extra support."