Making festive season a little brighter

Bunbury Intown Centre, Anglicare and Food Bank are attempting to ease the hardship faced by South West residents this Christmas.

For the majority of us, Christmas Day is filled with family, friends, food and festivities.

But for those South West families doing it tough this Christmas, not-for-profit organisations in the region have come together to lend a helping hand.

The Christmas Shoebox appeal is an initiative run by the Bunbury Intown Centre for those who are alone at Christmas.

“As a community we can come together and give a shoebox of basics and some goodies to these people and make them feel special,” Bunbury Intown Centre manager Leanne Gibbs, pictured, said.

South West Anglicare service manager Kathy Mills, said the organisation offered families free financial counselling over the Christmas period.

“A lot of families experience hardship around the holidays and often Christmas can take a financial toll on families,” Ms Mills said.

“Our services are open throughout the year, but we offer additional support throughout the back-to-school period.”

Food Bank Bunbury manager Carol Hearn is encouraging people to drop off non-perishable items to the Food Bank boxes located at supermarkets across the South West.

“There is a Food Bank box at the entrance of Coles, Woolworths and the Spudshed where people can donate items such as dried goods, canned food and even toiletries,” Ms Hearn said.

“We are fortunate to have such great companies sponsor us and give generously.”