A MAN who’s just been released from jail and a woman who lost her credit card are just two of the people who have turned to local charities for help this Christmas.
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St Vincent de Paul Society’s diocesan executive officer Frank Moes said his organisation is often forced to come to the rescue of people in need at Christmas time.
“While there are a core group of people who automatically rely on us at this time of year, there are other emergencies that just happen,” he said.
“Just this week we had a woman who lost her ATM card and was stranded in Orange with nothing, so we gave her a food hamper.”
This week the organisation was also called upon to help a man who just been released from jail and had nothing.
“It was an emergency situation, we gave him a food parcel and a Christmas hamper, we didn’t want his first Christmas out of jail to be a miserable one,” he said.
Mr Moes said the organisation was also able to step forward and offer him some home comforts such as a bed, a table, a chair and a portable wardrobe.
“It happens more often than you think, the Department of Housing organises accommodation and the people move in with basically just the shirt on their back,” she said.
“It’s not a very auspicious start to a new life.”
Mr Moes said the people of Orange had been very generous in donating to those in need and his charity had given away 110 hampers as well as other toys and goods.
“It’s important that people have something nice to eat at Christmas time but even if you can’t donate money or goods it’s important to give people a little bit of your time,” he said.
Salvation Army captain Greg Saunders said his team had been busy giving out food vouchers, Christmas hampers and other toys and gifts.
“We’ve had a lot of people who have been very thankful for what they’ve got,” he said.
“While most of the people have been existing clients some other people have come out of the woodwork.”
Captain Saunders said there were many people who found it difficult to juggle their finances, particularly at Christmas time.
“Some people come to us having a financial crisis, and unable to cope,” he said.
“We do what we can do to help.”
Captain Saunders said the charity would not be able to assist all those in need without the generosity of local people.
“The people of Orange have helped unbelievably, they’ve been outstanding in the amount they have given.”
