For many of us, Christmas can be bittersweet – if not downright painful – when empty chairs are an ever-present reminder of the loved ones who are no longer with us. 

Lutheran Care client, Mel*, and her two boys (5 and 12), are facing their first Christmas without their husband and father, Phil*, after his tragic death earlier this year. 

Sharing their story for the Christmas Appeal this year, Mel described losing Phil as having “a grenade thrown under us”. In the aftermath of his death, the young family imploded, finding themselves in financial dire straits without their main breadwinner, and completely consumed by grief and worry. Mel told us she was only just holding things together for the kids’ sake.  

Thanks to the generosity of Lutheran Care supporters, they have received immediate support including food, counselling and financial counselling, to help them get back on track. Through the Christmas Hamper program, they’ll also have some food to share a festive celebration, and presents for the kids. Mel says they’ll never forget this kindness, and plans to give back as a volunteer when she can. You can read their heartwarming story, here. 

Will you have an empty place at your Christmas table this year? 

We’re encouraging people to honour the loved one they’ll be missing this Christmas, with a donation to Lutheran Care’s Christmas Appeal. 

Your gift, in their name, can change someone’s life and bring hope for a brighter year ahead.  

To celebrate your gift, as well as your loved one, Lutheran Care will create commemorative angels for display on the Lutheran Care Christmas tree and sharing on social media. Families can also download their own angel and decorate it for display on their own Christmas trees. 

Our supporter, Jenny, 31, from Seaton, is giving to Lutheran Care this year in honour of her mother, Pauline, who died from breast cancer 10 years ago. 

“I’m going to get the children involved and decorate an angel in honour of their Granny,” she said. 

“I feel like it will be a lovely way for us all to remember her. Mum gave to Lutheran Care – or  Lutheran Community Care – every year, and she would be very proud of us helping this cause that was so close to her heart.” 

Even if you have your loved ones around you, you can still make a gift on their behalf. Sandra, 68, from Goolwa, plans to make several donations to Lutheran Care this year instead of buying gifts for her family this Christmas. 

“Instead of buying for my (grown up) kids this year, I’ll make a donation in their names, so they can make a difference to someone less fortunate,” Sandra said.  

“It’s a small way to bring some joy to people who are having a hard time of things.” 

This year, Lutheran Care is encouraging supporters to be an angel for a family they’ll never meet. Your support helps vulnerable South Australians have access to: 

• Christmas Hampers and gifts 

• Emergency groceries 

• Bedding 

• Clothing 

• Vouchers 

• Financial counselling 

• Counselling 

• Homelessness services 

• Parenting programs and support 

• DV services 

• And more 

If you’re ready to help someone you will never meet, click here.