Christmas Giving Trees are up in all of Bass Coast Shire Council's Customer Service Centres, taking donations to help local families in need this Christmas.
This annual program is coordinated by the Combined Welfare Group which includes local churches, community groups and charities such as The Salvation Army and the St Vincent De Paul Society.
This year we're asking for donations of new, unwrapped gifts for all ages, gift cards and non-perishable food items.
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve praised the program and the community's involvement.
"This is the 20th year we have worked together with the Combined Welfare Group to gather donations for those who need an extra helping hand," Cr Le Serve said.
"I'm incredibly proud of the way our community comes together each year to help ensure that Christmas is a special day for everyone."
"Christmas Giving Trees help make Christmas a special occasion for everyone and knowing that your donation goes to help someone in your own community makes your donation just that little bit more special." Cr Le Serve said.
This year we're also asking for non-perishable food donations and this includes special Christmas items and supermarket gift cards.
"We know that the cost of living has gone up significantly this year but please consider donating if you're in a position to be able to," Cr Le Serve encouraged.
"Christmas shortbread, biscuits, canned vegetables, rice and pasta are just a few examples of the small, low-cost items that may mean a family can enjoy a special Christmas meal that they might not have been able to afford otherwise."
Christmas Giving Trees are on display in Council's Customer Service Centres in Cowes, Grantville, Inverloch and Wonthaggi. Donations will be accepted up until Thursday, 7 December at all Centres except for Cowes which is until Thursday, 14 December.
