So we’re doing our bit by making it easy for you to find the right fit for your donation. There are plenty of ways to give – money, donations, food, gifts, your time.

Are you a charity collecting for Christmas? Send us an email to addynews@fairfaxmedia.com.au to be included in the list. 

Foodshare:  Pasta, rice, pasta sauce and tinned tuna – anything non-perishable is being sought by Bendigo Foodshare. ​Where: Bendigo Foodshare, Shed 2, 43A Havilah Road, Long Gully. Contact: 5444 3409.

Read more: More people struggle to put food on the table at Christmas

The Salvation Army: If you have puddings, baby food, cereals, soups, cleaning products or general goods, you can help out by registering here. You can also phone 13 72 58 (13 SALVOS).

Bendigo Advertiser Wishing tree: Donate a gift under the Bendigo Advertiser’s wishing tree for a family in need. Gifts go to St Vincent de Paul Society. Where: Bendigo Advertiser, 67 – 71 Williamson Street, Bendigo. Contact: 5434 4433.

The Salvation Army: Help out a child in need this Christmas by giving them a toy they’ll remember forever. Click here to choose a toy or phone 13 72 58 (13 SALVOS).

Crooked Kitchen: Bring in a new toy for a child or a gift for an adult to unwrap at Christmas. Items must be new and unused. Where: Crooked Kitchen, Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo. Contact: Tara on 0410 253 838 – please phone beforehand. 

Kmart Wishing Tree: Place a gift under the Kmart wishing tree, with a tag identifying the age group and gender of the receiver, to make someone’s life a little brighter. Where: Kmart, Lansell Square, Kangaroo Flat.

Foodshare: You can give a donation at to the Bendigo Foodshare Fund at any NAB or Bank of Melbourne branch. Online options are available on the Foodshare website

The Salvation Army: There are various ways to donate to the Christmas Appeal. Online, purchasing a Christmas Card or by phoning 13 72 58 (13 SALVOS).

Crooked Kitchen: Any cash donation given to Crooked Kitchen will be spent on stock to fill out the Crooked Christmas Store. Contact: Tara on 0410 253 838.

Foodbank: Every Victorian family should be able to eat at Christmas. Foodbank helps those in need. Click here to make a donation. For more information, phone 03 9362 8300

OTIS Foundation: For individuals and their families who are dealing with breast cancer, the OTIS Foundation helps out with accommodation. Click here to give a personal donation, or here if it’s a Christmas gift to a friend. 

Kmart Wishing Tree: With donations going to The Salvation Army, the wishing tree’s assist those in need. Click here to donate online or phone 1800 124 125.

Foodshare: Give some time to help to run its trucks, keep the warehouse going to to provide a better service to those who have run out of food. Contact: 5444 3409.

The Salvation Army: If you’re an individual or part of a community group and you’re looking to donate your time, click here. Businesses can also take part in volunteering. 

The Smith Family: Volunteer time by providing Toy and Book packs to disadvantaged children across the country. Register here. 

Bendigo Health: All funds raised from the Chistmas Appeal will go towards purchasing a new volunteer patient transport bus. Donate here. 

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