Each year, Hope Hampers, an initiative of The Everyday Foundation, provides Christmas hampers to members of the community who may not be able to afford the essentials for their families.

The program raises much-needed funds to provide joy at a time that is often difficult for members of the community.

Karen Gullo, Operations Manager of the charity, is passionate about the role The Everyday Foundation plays in the community.

“With the cost of living continuing to rise, families are already stretched, so Hope Hampers aims to bring the spirit of Christmas to the most vulnerable in our community,” she said.

With a goal of giving out 500 hampers this Christmas, The Everyday Foundation has partnered with local schools and organisations to help with food drives, packing, and donations, and they hope the community continues get involved with the initiative to raise the funds needed to make the campaign possible.

Suncoast Christian College students will again be participating in the initiative. Director of Student Development, Garth Reid said that students loved taking part, knowing that they were helping to make Christmas a little brighter for families in need.

“Our school was founded by members of our community with a strong emphasis on community service and helping those in need,” he said.

“This program is a wonderful extension of those principles and it is an experience that is extremely rewarding.”

“The joy that recipients have when they receive their hamper is priceless,” said Karen Gullo. “We include gifts for all family members, Christmas foods, and toys in the hampers. We expect an overwhelming number of nominations this year given how hard it has been, so we’re hoping we can meet the need.”

Ms Gullo was grateful for the support the campaign had received.

“Our aim with The Everyday Foundation is to meet people in their place of need, and this is just one of the ways we can make a difference in our community this Christmas.”

How to help

You can get involved by:

• Donating – purchase the cost of a hamper here: https://everyday.org.au/hope-hampers/give/

• Participating in our ‘Shop & Drop’–view our food drive list here: https://everyday.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Shop-Drop_Hope-Hampers-printable.pdf

• Volunteering to pack and wrap hampers – help pack hampers: submit your availability here: https://everyday.org.au/hope-hampers/volunteer/

• To learn more, visit The Everyday Foundation’s website: https://everyday.org.au/hope-hampers/2024-campaign/