Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness for many.
For others, it’s a painful reminder of loneliness.
That’s why a group of locals is working tirelessly to bring Christmas cheer to hundreds of Logan’s elderly, through Star Services’ ‘Secret Santa’ appeal.
The initiative sees members of the community donate goods and essentials suited to people aged over 65, which are then turned into hampers and gifted to those who need it most.
Program coordinator Catherine Williams said elderly people “feel forgotten”.
“They are isolated, they may have outlived their family,” she said.
“I had one gentleman, his name was Andy and he was from Logan Village, and he told me he hadn’t received a gift in four years since his wife passed away.
“[Secret Santa gifts] means so much to the people who receive them.”
The program, which began six years ago, runs across south-east Queensland, including the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Redlands and Darling Downs.
“We gave out 250 hampers across those areas six years ago, and this year we are aiming for over 1000,” Ms Williams said.
“The community has responded amazingly.”
In Logan alone, Star Services is expecting to hand out more than 200 hampers, plus around 100 more to a local Meals on Wheels.
“Last year we gave Beenleigh Meals on Wheels 130 hampers to give out with their Christmas dinners,” Ms Williams said.
Kimberly Park State School at Shailer Park and Burrowes State School at Marsden are also involved with the Secret Santa.
“The children collect gifts, and they also write some Christmas cards that are included in the hampers,” Ms Williams said.
“It is great for them to think about others and the type of gifts an elderly person might like.
“It is a great way of showing children how to be part of the community, and part of the solution to what is happening.”
Gifts are welcome and can be donated at several drop-off points across the city, including:
- Bendigo Bank at Beenleigh, Browns Plains and Springwood,
- Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers’ office at Logan Central,
- King & Company at Meadowbrook,
- Logan Physio at Crestmead,
- Moore Australia at Beenleigh,
- Planet Fitness at Bethania and Springwood,
- Prelude Dance Centre at Underwood,
- Quirky Quilts at Springwood,
- Snap Fitness at Browns Plains.
You can also visit givenow.com.au/starsecretsanta.
