With Christmas on the horizon, we are reminded this is often a special time spent with loved ones – gifts under the tree, and a table abundant with festive food.
This year, the unrelenting rising cost-of-living crisis means thousands of families and individuals will miss out on Christmas joy as they struggle to meet their basic needs.
Over the past two years, UnitingSA has seen a 60 per cent increase in the number of South Australians presenting to our services, looking for help.
Last year, thanks to our donors and supporters, we were able to provide relief to a more than almost 900 locals and give almost 500 children a Christmas gift. We supplied about 15 people a day with food packages and our Christmas lunch was enjoyed by 40 people, who would otherwise have been alone.
Help us ensure that no one who walks through our doors this Christmas, leaves empty handed.
More than ever this year, UnitingSA is calling for cash donations as we prepare for a drastic rise in demand for our services. Cash donations give our teams the flexibility to meet specific demands as they arise. This can include the purchase of food to re-stock empty pantries and help pay household bills.
We are often inundated with toys and gifts for younger children, however this year there is also demand for gifts for vulnerable young people, especially boys aged 11 – 14 years (eg skateboards, EarPods, back backs) to make sure they have something to open on Christmas morning.
Click on one of the red decorations on our virtual Christmas tree below and follow the instructions to make a secure donation online.
Click on one of the present icons under our Christmas tree below and follow the link to a list of suggested gifts for children, youth, adults and aged care residents.
Click on the festive food or stacked cans next to our Christmas tree below for a list of non-perishable food items you can purchase and drop off to us.
Purchase a set of UnitingSA Christmas cards, featuring artwork provided by children from our Child, Youth and Family Services programs.
will provide a seat at our table for lunch on Christmas Day to someone who would otherwise be alone
will provide essential personal items for someone experiencing homelessness
will provide Christmas lunch for a small family and a toy for their children
will provide lunch, gifts and essential emergency relief support for a larger or multigenerational family
In-kind donations are gratefully received at our Emergency Relief Centre at 58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Please note that we can only accept new and unused in-kind donations.
Click on the images below to view suggested items you can donate to help vulnerable South Australians.
Click to view gift suggestions for children, tweens & youth, adults, parents & guardians
Click to view gift suggestions for the 40% of residents in Aged Care who do not receive visitors
Click to view gift suggestions for individuals and families year round
Click to view a list of suggested festive food products and items
Together we can gift joy, put food on the table and gifts under the tree for local families in need.
By purchasing a pack of these specially designed cards, gifted to us by children supported by UnitingSA’s Child, Youth & Family Services, you are making Christmas possible.
Proceeds from your purchase will go towards the provision of food vouchers for South Australians doing it tough or sleeping rough this Christmas.
With every step you take, you will help to bring hope, dignity, and a brighter future to those who need it most.
By purchasing these SOS socks, you will keep your feet looking stylish but more importantly you will support South Australians doing it tough or sleeping rough.
Proceeds from your purchase will go towards the provision of food vouchers for South Australians doing it tough or sleeping rough this Christmas.
Here are just three real-life stories of the 12,500 people your gift can help.
Bring joy to South Australian individuals and families in need. Donate today.
A young couple, both aged 19, were forced to flee their family homes with no belongings and ended up sleeping rough for months.
They are about to move into their own home together and your donation will help them purchase a toaster, kettle and new set of bed sheets.
A 51-year-old single person with no support network of family or friends is about to move into one of our affordable housing units and restart their life.
Following a long history of domestic violence and with no personal belongings since escaping over a year ago, your donation will help with essential items such as furniture, a microwave and comfy quilt.
A mum of two has found herself unemployed after escaping domestic violence and is starting the long process of rebuilding her life. She desperately wants to give her children the happy Christmas they dream of.
Your donation can help ensure each of her children receive a gift and stocking fillers, as well as a grocery voucher to help feed the family on Christmas Day.
UnitingSA relies on the generosity of donors to help deliver innovative programs and support for people in need across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
“I would still be on the streets if it wasn’t for the support of UnitingSA. It means the world to me to have a house for my whole family and to be able to tuck my children in at night.”
William,
Received support from UnitingSA Homelessness Services
