With just nine days to go until Christmas, City Mission are putting the finishing touches on their Christmas Hampers.
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This year the community service provider aims to deliver 300 hampers to families in need, along with their regular food and toy drive.
City Mission is one of four local charities set to benefit from The Examiner’s Empty Stocking Appeal, which has already raised more than $60,000.
Chief executive officer Stephen Brown said City Mission had experienced an increase in demand across all of their services this year.
“There is definitely a growing, genuine need if this community,” he said.
“When it comes to our Christmas assistance, everything is done in a very responsible way.
“We meet with clients and their is an assessment of need that is carried out.
“There has definitely been a big increase in the amount of people we have seen seeking assistance.”
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Last Christmas City Mission experienced a record demand for food and Christmas toys and in the past year have provided support to more than 3000 individuals and families.
According to their latest annual report, there has been a 40 per cent increase in the amount of people utilising family services, with 64 per cent of support consisting of food provisions.
It Tasmania, it is estimated there are now more than 74,000 people living below the poverty line.
Mr Brown said the charity had experienced a resurgence in food donations in the past week, following a sluggish start to December.
“It definitely slowed down a bit for a while there, but we are well and truly back on track now,” he said.
“Non perishable goods are what we are after, so the likes of pastas and soups as well as school snacks.
“Also personal care items, especially nappies are also very important.
“Disposable nappies can be very expensive for families with young children.”
City Mission aims to have all of their Christmas Hampers delivered by December 22 and will also be distributing toys.
Last year almost 2000 donated presents were handed out to children, with donations for this years drive still being accepted.