YMCLC, MHA Care and Ignite Life Church are asking residents to show their generosity and kindness by contributing the annual Pay It Forward Christmas Hamper Appeal.
A Christmas ham on the table, food in the pantry and a present for every child may seem like simple festive traditions, but for hundreds of local people facing financial pressure, they can make an enormous difference.
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That is why the Yarrawonga-Mulwala community is once again being called on to share a little Christmas kindness as the 2026 Pay It Forward Christmas Hamper Appeal gets underway.
Coordinated by Yarrawonga Mulwala Community & Learning Centre (YMCLC) in partnership with MHA Care and Ignite Life Church, the appeal helped 525 people last Christmas, including 232 children, with 156 hampers distributed across Yarrawonga, Mulwala and surrounding communities.
Demand has continued to rise, with 475 people supported in 2024 compared with 525 last year.
YMCLC executive officer, Julie-Anne Clarke believes even more people may need a helping hand this Christmas.
“Last year, we provided food and gifts to 525 individuals, and that includes families,” Julie-Anne said.
“That was up on the previous year at 475 people, so we’re expecting more again this year.”
Registrations for those needing a hamper will open in the second week of November, while the wider community can help by donating non-perishable food, cash or new Christmas gifts for children aged from birth to 15 years.
Christmas trees and collection boxes will again appear at participating businesses and clubs around town, making it easy for residents to add an extra item to their shopping and pay it forward to someone else.
It’s a big job, but a committed team and a generous community gets it done every year.
“The clubs will put up a Christmas tree, and people can come and put a gift under the tree,” Julie-Anne said.
“Other businesses around the town will put a Christmas tree out with a box, and people can donate non-perishable food items.”
The Lions Club will continue its generous support by making its shed at the Yarrawonga Showgrounds available for distribution day on Monday, December 21, from 10 am to noon.
And these are no ordinary hampers.
Each is generously filled with food and Christmas fare, including a Christmas ham, while registered families will receive a brand-new gift for each child to place under the tree on Christmas morning.
Last year’s recipient survey showed just how much that support meant.
Of 137 people surveyed, every respondent said receiving a hamper reduced their financial burden, 83 per cent said it reduced stress and 64 per cent reported improved mental wellbeing.
Many recipients also spoke of feeling relief, gratitude and a stronger connection to their community.
With another busy Christmas expected, Julie-Anne is hoping Yarrawonga-Mulwala will once again show the generosity for which the appeal has become known.
A tin of food, a new toy or a financial donation may not seem like much on its own, but together those acts of kindness can put Christmas dinner on a table, presents beneath a tree and, most importantly, let local people doing it tough know their community cares.
