A staggering 2.9 million Australians are living in poverty, but programmes such as Toys ‘n’Tucker bring joy to those who struggle at Christmas.

Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker is an annual outpouring of generosity that sees hampers of food and gifts delivered to families in need during the Christmas season.

This year, about 3,500 food hampers have been created, to give out to community members who need a little help. On top of that, about 3,000 toy hampers have been packaged up.

“People are incredibly generous, I was really struck by that the first time I did it. But I’m also struck by the need.” – Janice, volunteer

In the weeks before Christmas, 20 volunteers turn up to Anglicare’s warehouse in Villawood to pack the hampers.

Janice, a volunteer, says, “people are incredibly generous. I was really struck by that the first time I did it. But I’m also struck by the need – to see how many families actually need this help at Christmas is very sobering.”

The hampers are then delivered to Anglicare distribution centres across Sydney, where families can come and collect their hampers in the days leading up to Christmas.

One recipient of a hamper says, “For me, to receive this hamper – it helps me and my kids get through the Christmas break. The whole year has been a struggle … and having that extra food from Anglicare is great.”

Pray

Some prayer points to help

Thank God for the generosity of Aussies in donating to Toys ‘n’ Tucker this year. Pray that the hampers would bring joy to those who receive them.