by Michaela Meade
Families struggling to make ends meet this Christmas have been reaching out to welfare agencies for support since October, with one gift program booking out in just one week.
Welfare agencies and support services across Whittlesea and Hume have reported a surge in inquiries from people in need of financial help ahead of Christmas, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Whittlesea Community Connections spokesperson said there there had been an “unbelievably” big increase in the number of people looking for support from the organisation.
“There’s been a significant increase in people seeking help,” the spokesperson said.
“And it’s all across Melbourne, it doesn’t matter where you’re from.
“Anecdotally, you’re looking at probably double the amount [of people compared to pre-pandemic].”
The spokesperson said the past 18 months has had a detrimental effect on the community, with people from varied backgrounds needing help “more than ever”.
However, the spokesperson said there are many people and businesses in the community offering support, including Whittlesea township’s Parker’s Auto Plus
“They’re running a toy drive,” the spokesperson said.
“We’re expecting between 300 and 600 brand new toys to be donated.
“Donating toys means kids wake up with presents on Christmas morning.
“It can make such a difference.”
Whittlesea City Salvos Corps captain Susan Lamotte said there was a “definite” need in the community for more support.
She said the Christmas service the organisation runs – offering presents and gift cards – was in high demand.
The program was booked out within a week of opening, Ms Lamotte said.
“We had people inquiring as early as October,” she said.
“We’re trying our best … our budget was cut by half.
“It doesn’t stretch very far, but we’ve tried to do the same amount to support the community as best we can.”
Parker’s Auto Plus’ toy drive is accepting donations between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
