Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, donors and volunteers, Lutheran Care has so far shared love and Christmas cheer with more than 350 South Australian families, including nearly 800 children.

The annual Christmas Hamper program brings joy to families in the Barossa Valley and Adelaide’s northern suburbs each year. 

 Across our Blair Athol and Tanunda sites, we have supported 356 families, sharing with them the following: 

• 450 Foodbank Christmas food hampers 
• 784 gift bags for children 
• 200 Christmas treat bags 
• Additional goods including food for pets, hygiene and cleaning items, and other pantry goods.  

These donations were only made possible by the generous donations of funds, food and goods from amazing Lutheran Care supporters including churches, schools, families and individuals. This incredible support helps Lutheran Care’s limited program budget stretch much further. 

Excellent takeup of the 12 Days of Giving program by local schools and organisations meant that a significant number of pantry donations were received – so many that the Lutheran Care delivery van had to attend some schools twice to fit in all the donations, and overflow donations had to be stored in staff kitchens and offices because of the sheer number. 

There was also a significant time commitment from volunteers, who assisted Lutheran Care staff with sorting donations, packing hampers, and assisting families picking up the hampers. Northpoint Toyota assisted by hosting a sausage sizzle and drinks were also given away to families visiting Blair Athol to collect their hampers.

More than 20 students from Concordia College, with their teachers, assisted across two days to sort and pack the treat hampers and tidy and organise the Emergency Relief pantry. They also designed beautiful cards with heartfelt messages of hope, for the hamper recipients. 

Additional volunteers included two representatives from the Wyatt Foundation, six teachers from Adelaide Senior College, and two students from St Columba College. Our Financial Wellbeing, Emergency Relief and Op Shop Donation Distribution Centre volunteers all also put in extra hours to get everything organised. 

Lutheran Care Chief Executive Officer Rohan Feegrade welcomed Lutheran Church of SA/NT Bishop Andrew Brook to our Blair Athol site to bless the hampers before they were given out last week. 

The Bishop noted that for many, Christmas is a difficult time of year, and a time that can be heightened for those impacted by family and domestic violence. 

He thanked and congratulated everyone involved in the Christmas Hamper program and hoped it would remind the recipients they have not been forgotten. 

“The whole point to the Christian faith as far as I can see it is love in action and love that is grounded in practical care,” Bishop Andrew shared. 

He also read from Psalm 145 and shared the following prayer: 

“Heavenly Father, thank you for your generous love for us. You’ve given many people in our society so much and thank you for moving their hearts to give to those who don’t have as much. Thank you to the schools and churches and agencies that have contributed to these hampers today – thank you for all the staff and the volunteers who have packed them and who will distribute them… May those who receive these hampers enjoy them and know they’re not on their own; know that we care and You care for them also.” 

Mr Feegrade acknowledged the volunteers, particularly the Concordia students in attendance, for their help and support not only at Christmas time but during other times of need during the year, particularly winter. He also paid tribute to the teachers and students’ parents. 

Lutheran Care’s 2024 Christmas Appeal is ongoing, and the donation total at 16 December is unfortunately well behind on other years due to how the current cost of living crisis is affecting families, individuals and businesses who are no longer in a position to give, or give as much. We need your help. To help bring families experiencing crisis and poverty some relief this Christmas and hope for a happier new year ahead, please donate today.