Picture: Yanni
FRANKSTON Uniting Church, High St, was a hive of activity, Thursday, as volunteers worked frantically to pack hampers for the Frankston Community Appeal.
Their role in Operation Larder, coordinated by Community Support Frankston, was to provide 325 hampers to Frankston families experiencing hardship this Christmas. And they did it.
“The Frankston appeal, in its 25th year, relies on the generosity of local businesses, individuals and other groups that provide cash and in-kind donations to keep up with requests for assistance,” Community Support manager Steve Phillips said.
“It is also made possible by the significant volunteer effort that goes into making up the hampers each year.
“Unfortunately, the festive season brings increased stress and financial pressures to many families, particularly those already finding it hard to put food on the table and look after young ones.”
CSF partners with more than a dozen support agencies in Frankston, including St Vincent de Paul, Salvocare Eastern and WAYYS Domestic Violence Outreach team, to make sure that those most in need are identified and receive hampers.
The appeal received a boost from the Frankston Freemasons this year: they donated nearly 2000 Tote bags to make sure those receiving hampers had enough strong bags to cope with the trip home on public transport.
Community Support Frankston relies on in-kind donations, such as food and toys, to put into hampers and packs for individuals and families that may miss out on the initial 325 hamper list. “Items such as tinned hams, vegetables and items to make a basic meal can be hard to come by in donated goods,” Mr Phillips said.
Those interested in donating to the Frankston Community Appeal, or getting involved, should email Mr Phillips at csf@frankston.net