Representatives of Bunbury’s Salvation Army Corps are rolling up their sleeves to help over 1000 residents this Christmas season.
The Salvos have called for financial and food donations from the Greater Bunbury community.
Donations for food hampers can be delivered to the Salvos’ Timperley Road premises between now and December 15.
Gifts, non-perishable food items and financial donations can also be handed in at Centre Point Shopping Centre between November 20 and December 7 or to a Salvos store before Christmas.
The premises will be open throughout the week before Christmas for applicants to collect their hampers.
Salvation Army Lieutenant Harriet Farquhar said the Bunbury Corps provided 350 hampers in 2016, aiding around 1100 people in the community.
Lt Farquhar said the campaign also donated toys to over 600 children between zero and 16 years old.
She said the Salvation Army shed light on poverty in the region.
“So many people take for granted the ability to buy food and toys for the kids at Christmas time,” she said.
“The reality is that for a lot of people it’s either out of their reach or is not the best financial decision.
“This campaign hopefully gives some normalcy to people’s lives.”
Lt Farquhar said the campaign would not be possible without the community’s tireless support.
She said Christmas Cheer provided solace for individuals and families in times of hardship.
“Poverty in the Greater Bunbury area is hidden,” she said.
“It may only be one day of the year, but it’s really nice to contribute to making that one day special.”
Between January 1 and September 30 this year, the Bunbury Corps delivered $21,150 in financial assistance as well as 938 food parcels, 771 hygiene and toiletry items, and 274 blankets.
Of the people assisted in that period, 76 per cent of families assisted were single parents families while 72 per cent of people had previously received Salvation Army assistance.
The Bunbury Corps assists more than 30 individuals and families each week, representing issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, financial strain, and mental health.
The centre also provides milk and bread to around 50 walk-in visitors each week.
The Corps have set up a fundraising page, salvosfundraising.org.au/bunburychristmascheer, for people to donate directly.
Contact 9791 5200 or check out The Salvation Army Bunbury Facebook page for more details.