Christmas donations and volunteering
Giving back this Christmas in Lake Macquarie
When we asked our local community what they wanted to know about Christmas in our Lake Macquarie area, the biggest request was how they could donate to those in need or volunteer. Here’s what we’ve found. Let us know if you are aware of something else and we will gladly add it.
If you could do with a helping hand this season, our local Salvation Army has asked us to let you know that if you are on low income and collecting Centrelink you can visit with your Centrelink statement and two forms of ID (one must be photo). Please contact them directly to make an appointment: 1300 371 288.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army covering Eastlakes is located here:
360 Pacific Hwy, Belmont North.
You can contact them on 1300 371 288 if you find yourself in crisis and need immediate help. Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm. Alternatively, office hours are 9 am – 2 pm Monday – Wednesday for emergency food hampers.
Their Store is located at 4/356 Pacific Highway, Belmont North, and they are open Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5:30 pm, and closed Sundays.
The Salvation Army covering the Westlakes is located here:
156 Bay Road, Bolton Point. You can contact them on 02 4959 7424
Their Family Store is open Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm at Shop 1/ 67-73 The Boulevarde Toronto NSW 2283. Closed on Sundays.
Volunteer by creating a Christmas tree
This year the Salvation Army is asking friends, businesses, community groups, sports teams, schools… we need you! We would LOVE you to enter a tree to our Avenue of Trees Christmas event. Here’s how:
- Get creative and design a tree.
- Let Terri know you’d like to enter a tree by sending an email to terri.muendel@salvationarmy.org.au
- Bring your tree, decorations, lights, and extension lead to 360 Pacific Hwy on the 13th, 14th or 15th December 9 am – 1 pm.
- A tree will be provided.
More information here: Eastlakes Salvos
Avenue of trees 2024 – Salvation Army
360 Pacific Highway, Belmont North
(16th – 18th December 6 pm – 8 pm)
You are welcome to come to our Community Christmas Event the “Avenue of Trees”. Bring your family and friends for an evening wandering through the Christmas wonderland as we’re reminded about the real meaning of Christmas.
Where: 360 Pacific Hwy, Belmont North
A free community event for the whole family. Grab a cuppa at our Café 360 and a sausage sandwich!
More information here: Eastlakes Salvos
Donate a Christmas Hamper to families doing it tough
This Christmas more families will be doing it tough.
If you would like to help make the holiday season a little easier for a family Eastlakes Salvos are running a hamper drive. If you would like to fill a hamper to give to a family struggling this Christmas please let us know.
You will receive a bag and a shopping list (the cost will be around $35-$40). Shop and fill it out and return it to us at the Salvos Church at 360 Pacific Hwy, Belmont Nth (the church, not the shop).
It’s a lovely way to give in a very practical way this Christmas.
Donate by early December
The Salvation Army Toy Drive
You can drop brand new toy donations for kids in need at any Greater Bank until Friday 13th December 2024.
Find out more here: Greater Bank
We Care Connect
Give a gift to a child in need in our region this Christmas. Buy a new gift for someone aged 0 to 18 years. We Care Connect will provide that gift to a recipient in our area who is in need. When purchasing gifts, We Care Connect asks us to choose a gift that would fit into a backpack. Please make sure the gift is brand new and unwrapped.
Drop-off for gifts in the Lake Macquarie area can be found here: Lake Macquarie locations.
Survivors R Us - Charity with Santa
Christmas Donation Drive
We need new toys and Christmas hamper food item donations to help give more people a Merry Christmas.
We’re accepting these donations from now until 8th December at our SRU warehouse from Monday-Thursday, between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. If you can’t drop off your donation items on these days/ within these times, please call us and we’ll see what other arrangements can be made. Thank you in advance!
Location: 57 Pendlebury Road, Cardiff
Facebook: Survivors R Us
Newcastle Toy Run
It’s the oldest annual event of its kind in Australia and the only RMS, police-approved and escorted ride. A valuable reminder to never judge a book by its cover.
Sunday 1st December 2024, is when all motorcyclists, from all walks of life, assemble from 8 am at Ballast Grounds in Stockton with the ride beginning at 10 am, arriving at Connolly Park in Carrington for a massive community fun day!
The ‘Bikers For Kids’ community, values integrity, commitment, and social justice and they love nothing more than coming together for the annual Newcastle Toy Run.
This year is the 47th annual ride and collection, so be sure to head over to Connolly Park in Carrington, and enjoy the festivities including live music, food trucks, markets, kids rides, entertainment, and awesome raffles.
Website: Newcastle Toy Run
Christmas at Samaritans
Gifting Trees
Samaritans Giving Trees help to provide gifts and food for families who might otherwise wake up to a Christmas morning without any gifts under the tree or are unable to share the Christmas spirit. Samaritans Gifting Trees
- Request a gifting tree for your community group or business.
- Or drop off at a giving tree location:
- Samaritans and Hit 106.9 Giving Tree at Charlestown Square (coming soon)
- City of Newcastle Council Chambers
- Lake Macquarie Council Chambers
You can download a list of gifting tree donation ideas here: Samaritans
Volunteering this Christmas
Many parents and carers cannot afford the simplest of Christmas gifts.
During this Christmas season, we have a number of ways for you to get involved and spread the Christmas joy. How to get involved:
- Volunteer for Christmas lunch
- Donate to the Christmas Appeal
- Gifting tree toy and gift donations
Christmas Party Lunch in the Park 2024 🎄
Now in its 24th year, Christmas Lunch in the Park by Samaritans is the region’s largest and longest-running Christmas Day event. The organisers and volunteers offer individuals and families experiencing homelessness, disadvantage, or loneliness, much-needed compassion on Christmas Day.
All volunteers need to complete a free Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Find out more here: Christmas Lunch Volunteering
Kmart Wishing Tree
A little thought can go a long way – Give to the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. All donations to the Kmart Wishing Tree will be distributed by the Salvation Army
- Give cash contributions: Cash Contribution
- Give a gift in a Kmart store under the Kmart Wishing Tree.
- Give money in-stores.
- Local businesses or groups can help.
- Local schools can get involved. Grab an information pack here.
You can donate anytime.
For more details click through here: Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal
The Smith’s Christmas Gifts from the Heart
This Christmas show how much you care and help a child living in disadvantage. Allow them to experience the thrill of their very own gift on Christmas morning.
Make a donation: The Smith Family Gifts: Gifts from the Heart
Want to explore more volunteering options?
If you are looking for volunteering roles this is a great site to check. It frequently updates with roles that are needed. See if something comes up near you and apply to make someone else’s day special.
Get involved: Volunteering NSW
Christmas in Lake Mac find out more…
