Christmas is a time for giving but that is not limited to within your own family circle.
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There are hundreds of Wagga residents who are struggling to find food for Christmas Day or presents to give their children.
Salvation Army minister Bindy Lupis said the most heartbreaking and rewarding part of her job is ensuring these families have something to celebrate on Christmas Day.
The Salvation Army office has been inundated with applications for assistance this Christmas, with more new clients signing up this year.
“They are very nervous about asking for help,” Mrs Lupis said.
“It’s a humbling experience to ask for help … they are usually dragged in by a friend.”
The Salvation Army spends three full days delivering hampers and toys to Wagga families but Mrs Lupis said that could extend to four days this year because of the increased demand.
Mrs Lupis delivered toys to a foster parent on Christmas morning last year after the carer was given three children during the night and was worried she would not have gifts for them on December 25.
Mrs Lupis said these are typical situations that emerge this time of year and Wagga residents are in a position to help.
The toy run and food appeal will be held this Saturday and Sunday, respectively, to provide the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul with items to assist families for Christmas Day.
“We want people to have a nice Christmas,” Mrs Lupis said.
“That’s a couple of gifts for the kids and enough food for Christmas lunch, it’s not to get you through January.”
Tears and big hugs are the usual reaction Mrs Lupis receives when she distributes a hamper or toys.
“I love this time of year,” she said.
“I’m a minister … so I see this as a great way to put my faith into action.”
If you miss donating this weekend during the two appeals, you can drop in items, including food, toys and cash, to the Salvation Army shop on Forsyth Street or church on Edward Street.
The Wagga City Library also launched their Food for Fines campaign this week.
This allows members with overdue books or items to pay their fees by donating non-perishable food items.
Mrs Lupis said the items collected during Food for Fines are used to replenish the pantry stock for the new year.
Tinned meals, pasta, beans, cereals and recipe bases are coveted items.
Donations for Food for Fines can be made to the library until close of business on Christmas Eve.
