The need is greater than ever but so is the generosity. Organisers of the Trees of Hope Christmas charity drive hope to hand out nine tons or more of food and other goods to homeless people and needy individuals and families this year.

The Shack Nambour launched the appeal  yesterday (November 1) at their Price Street premises. 

“We’ve seen an incredible rise in need just in the last three months and we think that’s going to have a knock-on effect into Christmas for sure,” said Pastor Dale Dowler from The Shack.

“It’s quite an anomaly at the moment because there’s still plenty of work around. There seems to be disposable cash around, but I think the penny is dropping now, especially after the Budget, that things are going to be tighter. 

“We’re seeing families that would normally probably be coping okay, having to come in and get top-ups. They’ve maybe been able to pay their electricity bill or their insurance or their rego, but it’s left them short of simple things like breakfast cereals and stuff for children’s lunches.”

Dale’s daughter Imogene Dowler said it was great to see the community jumping back on board this year. “It has been incredible,” she said. “We were worried that maybe this year it was going to be a bit harder because of the cost of living going up, but people have been wanting to help straight away. We’ve had people, schools and community groups calling us  in the last two weeks. It’s been incredible to know that people still want to give for Christmas time despite the hard times.”

 Under the program people are encouraged to pick up a Trees of Hope bag from participating outlets and fill the bags with groceries and items, according to the “shopping lists” provided. 

“We’ve got nice bright green bags this year,” said Imogene. “And we’re going to be doing ‘Christmas Eve Eve’ again on December 23. We’re putting on a marketplace at The Shack so people can help themselves to free goodies and some gifts. Youi will be donating gifts for kids again this year, which is just incredible. So we’re very fortunate that all these businesses still want to be on board. Because you never know from year to year whether groups want to be involved again.”

•. To take part all you have to do is collect Trees of Hope hamper bags or boxes from Coast Heritage branches, Mitre 10 stores, The Barn Flaxton or from The Shack. Then fill them with the items indicated on the list provided and drop them back for collection. For information please email Imogene at admin@theshacknambour.org.au.