Can you give hope this Christmas?

With Christmas right around the corner, The Salvation Army is encouraging Benalla locals to reach out and connect with their community.

Whether it is through participating in Christmas activities, giving a hand to someone in need or reaching out to the Salvos for help, there are a number of ways Benalla residents can get involved this festive season.

Christmas can often be one of the hardest times of year for Australians doing it tough, but Benalla Salvation Army Officer Lieutenant Ben Anderson said just a small contribution could make a big difference in helping to give hope where it is needed most.

‘‘For just $29 you can provide food on the table and a present under the Christmas tree to help give hope to someone in need this Christmas,’’ Lieutenant Anderson said.

The Salvation Army in Benalla will be running its annual Christmas Cheer operation to provide toys and food for those in need, as well as holding a Christmas lunch, putting on a community carols event and preparing for a special Christmas Day service.

The free Christmas lunch will be held from noon on December 25, at 85 Bridge St West, for people in the community who wish to connect with others.

On Christmas Day everyone is invited to gather to celebrate the hope and joy of Christmas with a service from 9.30 am at Benalla.

Benalla locals are also invited to attend The Salvation Army’s carols service from 4 pm to 8 pm, on December 8 at the Benalla Botanical Gardens.

Research from The Salvation Army revealed that 95 per cent of all households who access the Salvos emergency services are living in poverty, with 74 per cent experiencing food insecurity and 67 per cent reporting that food affordability is their greatest daily challenge.

‘‘At Christmas, the Salvos will serve over 100 000 meals, distribute more than 500 000 gifts and toys and support more than 70 000 families said.

‘‘But we can only do this with the support of the Australian public.

‘‘Whether you are by yourself, or with friends and family, Christmas is a time that is best spent together.

‘‘So join us, so we can share the true spirit of Christmas.’’

Anyone wishing to donate to give hope where it is needed most this Christmas can do so via The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal at salvos.org.au/Christmas or by phoning 13 SALVOS (137 258). Donations can also be made in person at any Westpac branch or at Salvo Stores. The Salvation Army is asking locals to share their photos with them on social media using the hashtag #givehope.

●in need,’’ Lieutenant Anderson