The happy surroundings can mask the reality however, that there are still many local residents spending Christmas in crisis. And recent statistics on Channel 7'S Sunrise Program, that 1 in 4 Sydneysiders will be going without presents this year, are sobering.
C3 Church organises a hamper drive each year and recently again asked their members to bring hampers to their Sunday Services. Members dug deep and brought in over 500 hampers across one weekend.
Hamper drive organiser Ps Monica Olander said ' The hampers put together were so beautiful and some needed 2 strong men to carry them! The community services we partner with are so appreciate of our generosity and enthusiasm in giving. They always ring to check we are doing our hamper drive again each year and we find no shortage of recipients.'
Some of the community services receiving hampers to distribute are Manly Warringah Women's Resource Centre, The Lone Parents Family Support Services and Aunties & Uncles.