MANY Wimmera families would struggle to put turkey on the table or presents under the tree this Christmas without the help of others.
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Bev Miatke from Horsham Christian Emergency Food Centre said missing out at Christmas could adversely affect families.
“When you don’t have the wherewithal to do Christmas, you feel much more socially isolated from everyone else,” she said.
“For families – how do you tell your children they can’t have what they see everyone else having?
“It’s a time of year to get together, bring people together and help connect again.
“That’s so important in our society and why we put such an effort into Christmas.
“It’s sad to think about people who can’t sit down and celebrate together. It’s a big day in society.”
Mrs Miatke said more than 400 hampers would be completed in coming days to give to Wimmera families and residents in need.
Horsham Salvation Army’s Diane Romari said 36 families signed up to receive gifts in the first three to four days after registrations opened.
Major Romari said many more names would be registered through Wimmera Uniting Care and other organisations.
She said it was impossible to estimate how many people would require gifts at this stage.
Major Romari said the holidays could be a very difficult time for some.
She called on residents to step up and look out for each other and register for their luncheon on December 16.
“It can be a very sad time,” she said.
Major Romari said everyone needed help at some point and there should be no shame in asking.
“I think the community donates beautifully,” she said.
“There are people who will never come to the service or put their name down because they feel someone else deserves it more.
“We all need some help at times and there are other times when we are in position to help others.
“There’s no judgment. We’re all just helping each other.”