Giving Tree spreads Christmas joy in Frankston City
Published on 30 November 2023
Tis the season to be giving!
This Christmas, Frankston City Council invites the community to come together and make a difference by supporting locals who need it most.
In partnership with local charities Frankston Life Community and Community Support Frankston, Council is accepting donations at Christmas giving trees across the City.
Donations of non-perishable items and unwrapped toys are being welcomed at locations across Frankston City, including the Frankston Arts Centre, Seaford Library, Carrum Downs Library and the Langwarrin Service Centre.
Monetary donations to Community Support Frankston are also greatly appreciated. They will be used to create non-perishable food hampers for the local community.
All monetary donations over $2 are tax deductible, with 100 per cent of donations going towards helping those in need.
Non-perishable items donated at the giving tree will be passed on to local people struggling this Christmas. Hampers with the donated items will be distributed at the Frankston Life Community Christmas Lunch.
Mayor Nathan Conroy said: “Your contributions at the Christmas giving trees across Frankston City, in partnership with Frankston Life Community and Community Support Frankston, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.
“Every child should experience the magic of Christmas and this year, we invite the Frankston City community to help make that a reality. By donating non-perishable food, toys and money, we can ensure more family experiences the warmth and joy of Christmas.
“As we celebrate the festive season, let's remember the importance of giving back to our community. Partnering with Frankston Life Community and Community Support Frankston, we encourage you to contribute to the Christmas giving trees across Frankston City, spreading the holiday spirit and making a positive impact on local families,” Mayor Conroy said.
"Lots of people doing it tough, but some are doing it particularly hard. It’s is great to see the community come together to support them," Mayor Conroy added.
Pastor Mark Whitby, from Frankston Life Community, said many people find Christmas to be a lonely time, adding: “As part of our annual Christmas lunch, hundreds of people who otherwise would miss out on the festivities are able to enjoy Christmas in a delightful way.
“Many people depend upon this annual event for their Christmas Day. The lunch is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal and share in the festive season with members of the community,” he said.
Community Support Frankston Manager, Steve Phillips, said: “We’re expecting to help over 3000 Frankston residents, the majority being kids and families, needing hamper, vouchers and support with toys this festive season.
“The team are already receiving calls from anxious mums and dads, worried they won’t be able to afford Christmas this year, including extra costs associated with looking after kids during the school term break. We’re grateful to Frankston Council for the partnership – 100 per cent of all monetary donations go back into the community and not a dollar is spent on administrative costs.”
Community Support Frankston is a not-for-profit community support agency providing emergency food, grocery vouchers, help with utility bills, referrals and advocacy for people who live or work in the City of Frankston.
Frankston Life Community is a not-for-profit charitable organisation, which has provided support and assistance for the most vulnerable over many years.
Donations to the Giving Tree are being accepted until Friday 22 December. For more information, please visit https://library.frankston.vic.gov.au/Community-Connection/News-and-Updates/News/The-Frankston-giving-Tree.