The Salvation Army is calling on Brimbank locals to donate non-perishable food items for those in need as Christmas approaches.
Pasta, rice, tea, coffee, canned food, long-life milk, cereals, muesli bars and biscuits are among the food items that would make up food hampers for disadvantaged members of the community.
Corps officer team leader Colin Reynolds said food donations are at the top of the agenda this Christmas.
“We are imploring regulars who support us to overlook toys this year and be a bit more practical with some of the food items that can go into food hampers,” Mr Reynolds said.
“We are providing what we call a Christmas cheer program which allows community members who are disadvantaged to make an appointment and receive assistance.
“In our municipality, across our two sites, we anticipate that we are going to be directly assisting at least between 600 to 800 families and individuals.”
The Salvation Army will also host a Christmas day community lunch to feed about 120 to 150 people.
“We do that every Christmas day. Lots of people come in, people who are lonely, people who on Christmas day find it difficult,” Mr Reynolds said.
“We provide a place where people can enjoy not only the Christmas food but the community and the company of others too.”
Residents can drop off donations to The Salvation Army Sunshine Corp at 43 Devonshire Road, Sunshine, and The Salvation Army Brimbank City Corps at 2a Roseleigh Boulevard, Sydenham.
