The hampers, filled with a variety of things including meal ingredients and treats, will go to a variety of local agencies and charities to be distributed to families this Christmas.

Victory Church pastor Michelle Heather said there was huge demand for the hampers.

“We started doing this maybe eight years ago with 50 hampers and each year we have increased,” she said.

“Last year we did 750 and this year we're up to 1000. By demand I could've easily done 2000 and still been able to place them. 

“We get (a lot of stock) it from Foodbank Victoria, we buy the pasta and mince pies ourselves and over the last few months we have been stockpiling items.”

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Mrs Heather said hampers go to both large and small organisations for distribution.

“The hampers go to Haven Home Safe, Centre for Non Violence, Anglicare, Bendigo Community Health Services and small places like Aftercare and Annie North,” she said.

“A lot also go through the chaplaincy program in the state schools. 

“For the next month, we will get a lot of comments and testimonials come in through Facebook and church members.

“Through the year we also hear stories from the people who have given out the hampers. It's nice that other people catch what the gift of giving is.”

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Mrs Heather said seeing the huge team of more than 100 volunteers work together was one of the best parts of her job.

“We couldn't do it with out the volunteers. This is the best part – seeing people help for nothing but the joy of doing it,” she said.

“We will have schools come in to help. Axedale Primary School and Crusoe College are bringing teams of kids in, which is fantastic. 

“There are also people who have received hampers in the previous year who want to come and help.”

Anglicare Victoria St Luke’s Region have also begun their Christmas Toy and Food Appeal with hundreds of items to be handed out over the holiday period.

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“We’ve had a fabulous response to this year’s Toy & Food Appeal and we’re so appreciative of the generosity of individuals and organisations,” Anglicare Victoria St Luke’s Region’s Kirsten Bardwell said.

“We’ve collected several hundred items, which will be distributed throughout the St Luke’s region to local families in need, and have more donations coming every day.

“The support has been just wonderful and we’re positive all the items will go to good homes.”

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