Melbourne Places to Go to Give Back this Christmas

Christmas can be tough for more people than we think - folks who are finding it hard financially, who are socially isolated, homeless, or experiencing mental health issues can really suffer this time of year. It's this time, more than ever, that your generosity is needed. It's also a fantastic way to balance out all the gifts and treats kids get for Christmas. 

The 13.3% of Australians who are living in poverty need our help, and we can get involved in quite a few ways to make a difference in our community.

Christmas is the busiest time for volunteering, and there might not be many volunteering spots available, so do keep in mind plenty of charities need help throughout the year also, and perhaps pledge to donate your time and effort in the coming months also. 

SecondBite

SecondBite needs volunteer drivers that can commit to a weekly delivery of food. Must have own vehicle. Two hours per week, Mon-Fri, from Heidelberg West to 1-3 local community food programs.

Melbourne City Mission

Melbourne City Mission is accepting gift vouchers for children and families in need this festive season (Click here to donate a Christmas gift voucher), and have other volunteering options here. They are sorted for Christmas day, but require help in the leadup and of course, throughout the year.

UnitingCare Christmas Appeal

You can purchase a gift and drop it off at any Target store, or donate financially here. They're looking to raise $1.5m and still have a fair bit to go.

The Smith Family

Children's Charity The Smith Family are looking for volunteers to help packing and delivering over 45,000 toys and 30,000 books and spreading some Christmas cheer to disadvantaged children around Australia. You can also donate here to help raise $3.7m by December 31, or purchase a Christmas Joyspreader gift online.

Wesley Mission

Wesley Mission is currently packing hampers filled with Christmas treats for those in need. You can find out more information and how to help here.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Vinnies are looking for peole to donate to their Christmas Appeal (which you can do here), and if you'd like to become a volunteer, you can find more information and application forms here.

MS Australia

Become part of the MS Gift Wrapping Team in at any of these places until Sunday 24th December. For more information please phone Lauren on 03 9845 2862 or email giftwrapping@ms.org.au. For more information, head to the website.

Exodus Foundation

The Exodus Foundation still needs food donations to fill Christmas hampers for the needy - things like tinned ham, plum puddings, mince pies, sweets, and custard. Call them to find out more: (02) 8752 4688. and you can donate here. 

Spirit of Giving Box

To give a gift to someone less fortunate this Christmas, place it in the Australia Post Spirit of Giving box with a tag referencing the age appropriateness of the gift. You can find the box (and send a letter to Santa while your'e there) at Australia Post GPO, 260 Elizabeth Street Melbourne.

Salvos Christmas Appeal

The Salvos are asking us to give back this Christmas by hosting a fundraiser, volunteering, hosting a food or toy drive, donating, donating a toy online, or buying a Christmas card. You can find out more abouthow to get involved on their website.

Gingerbread Village

Head to the Melbourne Town Hall this year for the amazing Gingerbread Village by EPICURE. Not only is it amazing to look at and a great Melbourne Christmas tradition, it has already raised over $100,000 in donations. This year proceeds will be going to the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation and if you would like to make a donation, you can go here.

Carols by Candlelight

Make Christmas for kids 4x brighter by heading out and singing some carols at Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl this year. All proceeds go to children who are blind or who have low vision. You can also volunteer by joining the team that helps bring the light to Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, as well as The Rehearsal Night on 23 December. If you are interested please contact our Volunteer Services team by completing the Expression of Interest Form here.

Ronald McDonald House

You can donate financially to the Ronald McDonald House in Parkville right near the children's hospital here, and to Ronald McDonald House Monash here.

Where do you like to go to give back?