Host a food or gift drive
It has been another difficult year for communities across Australia. And as Christmas approaches – it is becoming increasingly clear that many Australians are going to struggle to have even a modest celebration.
We all know Christmas is a time for joy. But for those doing it tough – it is often challenging, heartbreaking and isolating. Last Christmas, The Salvation Army provided around over 64,000 hampers as well as 26,000 gifts to individuals and families in need. As COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the country, your support is more important now than ever. By collecting and donating food or gifts, you can help us make sure we leave no one in need this festive season.
How to host a food or gift drive
Organising a food or gift drive is a great way to share the festive spirit with those doing it tough. Follow the steps listed below:
- Register your drive using the form below
- Read our giving guidelines to find out how and what you can donate
- Download our free posters and resources to plan and promote your drive
- Find your nearest drop off location
Please note – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Australian states have restrictions and social distancing rules in place to minimise the spread of the virus. Please check your state’s restrictions when organising any fundraising activity.
1. Register your food and gift drive
2. Read Our Giving guidelines
General
Thank you for hosting a food or gift drive and helping us leave no one in need this Christmas.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Australian states have health and social distancing rules in place to minimise the spread of the virus. Please check your state’s restrictions when organising your food or gift drive or donating items.
Please ensure all items are donated in November or by early December. This will help us plan, prepare and deliver all food and gift hampers in time for Christmas.
Gifts
Some useful tips for gift donations:
- Please consider giving gifts for a range of age groups, including teenagers and parents
- Consider donating gift vouchers – A gift voucher means a parent or guardian can still share in the unique joy of buying a gift for their child or family member (vouchers are also ideal for teenagers)
- Please leave gifts unwrapped, to enable parents/guardians to experience the dignity and joy of choosing gifts based on the recipients’ interests or personality. Feel free to include wrapping paper or gift bags
- Please donate new items only as your donated gift may be the only present someone receives this Christmas
Food
Some useful tips for food donations:
- Consider donating a supermarket gift voucher, as they allow the recipient the flexibility to purchase their choice of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat
- Where appropriate, please ensure items have long expiry dates and are non-perishable
- Since these will be received as gifts, consider adding brand name products and some special items to help the recipient celebrate on Christmas Day
- Try packing the food into a shopping bag or washing packet that can be reused by the recipient (it’s sustainable too!)
- Consider providing food that will suit families with young children, people with allergies, the elderly or culturally diverse Australian households.
Gift Vouchers
We can only accept physical gift vouchers (no printed or electronic gift vouchers please). Popular gift vouchers include:
- Supermarkets, e.g. Woolworths or Coles
- Department stores, e.g. Kmart, Big W, Target, Myer or David Jones
- iTunes
- Netflix
- JB Hi-fi
- Rebel
- Event Cinemas or Hoyts
- Dymocks
3. Promote your food and gift drive
Gift tag
Add some gift tags to your presents to let us know who your gift is for! (Please do not gift wrap)
4. Find a drop-off location
Once you have completed your collections, find a drop-off point to donate your goods. Due to COVID-19, many of our locations are operating differently to normal. Please call your local centre before visiting to ensure it is open and accepting donations.
(Salvos Stores do not accept food/gift donations)
Find a drop-off location
Due to COVID-19, many of our locations are operating differently to normal. Please call your local Salvos before visiting for updates to event details and to ensure the Christmas event listed is still taking place.