Christmas is the time of giving and this year in particular, giving back and helping others is more important than ever.

Kids in Adelaide have come up with a list of awesome, feel good things you and your little humans, extended family or  friends can do for others to give back during the Christmas season. Even a solo random act of kindness can go a long way!

Finding ways to give back doesn’t have to be a major commitment or expense. Warm and fuzzies comes in many different shapes, sizes and forms. Here are some local suggestions to actively involve you and your families to appreciate the true spirit of Christmas in your community.

Sponsor a Bag for 'Parents Who Have Been There'

Parents Who Have Been There support local Neonatal units and the community via various support intiatives such as monthly morning tea visits and monthly Dinner’s On Us in the local Neonatal units, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day special morning tea and gift bags, Christmas gift bags, Country Mum Essential packs, along with Neonatal Parent Playgroups in the community.

It is entirely run by volunteers and relies solely on donations.

This Christmas you can ‘sponsor a Christmas bag’ for just $8 which will create a bag for a family who is currently going through a neonatal journey. The bags contain essentials, treats and items that will help to put a smile on the face of these parents during what is a hard time.

It’s $8 to sponsor a Christmas bag however donations will be used for other items too such as practical support for families- Uber Eats vouchers, hospital parking passes, food hampers and more.

Click here to donate.

Give to those experiencing disadvantage

Christmas time can be the toughest time of the year for many.

This Christmas, AnglicareSA’s Emergency Assistance services expects a higher demand for material and financial support as family budgets are stretched even further.

AnglicareSA’s 2023/24 Christmas Appeal has launched this festive season with the hope of raising more than $100,000 to support South Australians in need.
The Christmas Appeal is a major fundraiser to support AnglicareSA’s Emergency Assistance Service which provides short-term food relief, clothing, and other household necessities to people in financial crisis. Donate today to help fellow South Australians in need and spread some extra cheer this festive season.

Please help us to spread hope by donating to the Christmas Appeal today and show families who are struggling there are people who care.
AnglicareSA Christmas Appeal or call 8305 9200 / donate@anglicaresa.com.au

Volunteer with the Hutt Street Centre

Volunteer at this city charity dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives. When you become a volunteer, you will be invited into the kitchen at Hutt St Centre to help prepare and serve the meals you’ve provided, enabling you to feel the impact your donation has, and to understand the significance of a hot meal and a friendly face for people facing homelessness. Find out more here.

Treasure Boxes

The lead up to Christmas is an incredibly stressful time for families already struggling to make ends meet.

Treasure Boxes has sadly seen a huge rise in the amount of young families and single mums (who have fled from domestic violence) here in Adelaide who are in crisis mode after the sudden rise in cost of living. And in most cases, babies and children are forced to go without essential products like nappies and don’t have access to basic things they need to keep them safe, warm and clean. 

From now until Christmas, Treasure Boxes will be opening their doors direct to the general public to ensure struggling SA families can immediately access basic essentials – and Christmas gifts for children – in time for Christmas Day. Through this new service, they hope to provide enormous relief for hundreds of children and families in the lead up to the holiday season.

The Christmas Family Support Program will provide help for families who need a helping hand and offer items to families with a current Health care card for a fraction of the retail cost, saving families hundreds of dollars over the holiday period and most importantly – reducing the risk of falling deeper into financial hardship.

You can support families here by making a donation to purchase items on their behalf.

Kmart Wishing Tree

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal helps everyone. They receive a lot of gifts for children, but also distribute gifts for everyone that might be having a hard time.  Visit your local Kmart to choose a present for someone in need. It’s also a great way to teach your kids about giving & helping those less fortunate than themselves.

Donate to the WCH Foundation

Make a donation to the WCH Foundation who support the work of the fantastic Women’s and Children’s Hospital or spare some time and volunteer. Check out their website to find an option that suits you.

Donate to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal

Donate the spare change in your car to the Salvation Army bell-ringers. We all have ungodly amounts of change lying around, especially in our cars. Put those coins to good use and donate them! Grab a few coins every time you come across a bell-ringer and toss them into the bucket. It may seem like very little, but all that money adds up quickly. You can also donate a gift online through their “wishes” program.

Head to their website for more information.

Remember your neighbour!

Remember to pop next door to make sure your neighbours are OK and wish them a Merry Christmas! Particularly those without any family would appreciate someone to chat to on Christmas morning, an invite for a cup of tea or a little homemade gift.

Postie Cheer!

Our posties & delivery people are working overtime at this time of year. Show them you appreciate them (& all the deliveries they bring!) by leaving a little something for them. Maybe it could be a thank you note taped to your letterbox or an esky of cool drinks by the front door with a sign asking them to help themselves! A little act of kindness goes a long way!

image Getty

Give back to frontline emergency services

Support those who support you. The last few years have been some of the most challenging our emergency services have ever faced in this state and we think they deserve our support!

The CFS Foundation provide financial support to volunteer firefighters and their families who have suffered through death, injury, loss or damage of property while in the line of service.
Donations can be made through their website here.

South Australia Police Legacy provides support and financial assistance to South Australian Police Officers and their families during times of crisis.
You can make a donation or purchase some super cute stuffed toys here.

Support The Mary Potter Foundation at Rundle Mall Plaza

Rundle Mall Plaza is supporting The Mary Potter Foundation this Christmas, with 100% of the money raised from their events going towards this amazing charity.

Christmas Gift Wrapping Station (11th-24th December):
Starting Monday, 11th December, until Sunday, 24th December, visit our Christmas Gift Wrapping Station on the ground floor, located across from Gerard McCabe and Caffe Da Marco. Enjoy the convenience of wrapping your gifts from 12 pm to 4 pm daily, with extended hours until 7 pm on late trade days. All funds raised during this initiative will be donated to The Mary Potter Foundation, so your support will go a long way.

North Pole Post (8th-27th December):
Delight the little ones with our “North Pole Post” on Level 1, located across from Clio Café. From 7th December to 27th December, children can enjoy a FREE colouring station and an area to write a letter or draw a picture for Santa.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Decorating (13th-17th December):
Join Sam from Clio Café on Level 1, next to the North Pole Post, for Christmas Sugar Cookie Decorating sessions from Wednesday, 13th December, to Sunday, 17th December. There will be two sessions daily, from 10-11 am and 12-1 pm, exclusively for children 7 years old and under. Bookings are essential, and all proceeds raised will be donated to The Mary Potter Foundation. To make a booking, reserve your spot by clicking here.

The Christmas Cookie Decorating with 100% of funds raised supporting The Mary Potter Foundation and its “Backpack of Love” program which supports children who have lost a parent or guardian.

The Smith Family

Get involved with The Smith Family’s Toy & Book Appeal, by making a donation, shopping online from their Christmas Charity Gift catalogue or fundraise to help make a difference to a child who might not otherwise have anything to open on Christmas morning. Find out more by clicking here.

Give the gift of your time this Christmas!

Check out Volunteering SA & NT or  govolunteer.com.au or Seek volunteers for short-term Christmas cheer opportunities such as Christmas wrappers for various charities, Christmas Cheer Helpers and more (you could even be Santa!).

Help out Backpacks for SA Kids

Donate your time to pack a backpack or wrap presents for teenagers experiencing homelessness and children who’ve had to suddenly leave their home because of violence or traumatic situations. This year they are in desperate need for gifts for teens – find out more here.

Backpacks 4 Kids for SA Kids Rachael Zaltron explains, “I am always amazed by the community surrounding Backpacks 4 SA Kids. This year we have been blown away not only with the support from the general public but an incredible $5000 donation made possible by ToyMate and Mix 102.3 because of this support we can ensure no child who will be left behind this Christmas.  We can’t wait to see how this partnership continues to make a difference to kids in crisis in SA.”

 The team are encouraging donations of board games, rubiks cubes, puzzles, and sporting gear which are great for teens and anything aimed at newborn to 18 months is perfect for the babies.

 Backpacks 4 SA Kids request no gift over $30, and have asked to please avoid books, DVDs, and anything food or weapon orientated (i.e., Nerf guns).

Help out the St Vincent de Paul Society!

Support Vinnies Christmas Appeal by making a donation or ask what can be gifted to be included within Christmas hampers or food drives. You could also volunteer! Find out more here.

Spread Kindness with the Pass It On Series

Christmas is the perfect time to spread kindness and teach your kids about the little things they can do to make others happy. There is no perfect way to start the conversation than with the Pass It On Series books.

Written and illustrated by SA locals, Daniella and Vince, their books “A Piece Of Happy“, “A Sprinkle Of Kindness” and “Nonna Lives Here” are the perfect gift for your children this Christmas to remind them of how important it is to think of others, spread kindness and ‘pass it on’.

Kids and adults alike will love the messages in these books, along with the gorgeous illustrations, all serving as a reminder to make the world a kinder place.

Grab them here. 

 

Help out a fellow Mum or Dad!

Donate your time to new or busy parents. Bring your own kids along as playmates and helpers! This basic act of kindness means so much to parents who may desperately need a break especially at this time of year. You could offer to take their kids to a playground, cook them a meal or have their kids over to your place for a playdate. Sometimes just one hour of “me-time” can make all the difference!

coffee drive thru adelaide

Pay It Forward!

Pay for someone behind you in line at a drive-thru, coffee shop or fill their parking spot up! It’s all about Christmas cheer & will give you the loveliest feeling!

Get involved with OzHarvest

OzHarvest collects excess food and provides it to people in need including families, the elderly and women and children in refuge. Every $1 donated provides 2 meals for a person in need, head to their website to make a donation.

Don't forget the animals!

Don’t forget our furry friends this holiday season! The AWL accept cash donations as well as donations of toys and treats for our four legged friends. Grab the kids and get them to pick out a toy to donate.
Check their website for more information on what they can accept. We’re sure this is one the kids will be keen to support!

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