The church began its festive initiative after realising that educators were often the ones going that extra mile for their students.
“We were aware that teachers are reaching into their own pockets to meet some of these financial needs that students and families were having, so we, at that time, instituted the Bank of Kindness,” Pastor Daniel Sanders said.
“People were giving, from our church, money and giving meals into a bank that we would use when the school would approach us if there were particular needs that we could help with, rather than a teacher funding it out of their personal income.”
From this, through the network of churches it is part of (Australian Christian Churches), Central Church was able to source boxes containing essential goods such as food, as well as some Christmas goodies, to be distributed by Seymour College’s wellbeing team.
With this being the second year the church has funded 100 Christmas boxes for the school — up from 50 boxes in its first year — wellbeing officer Kim Summers said the support made Christmas more festive for the school community.
“Central Church assists students who need help with school supplies and readiness for learning, and they generously provide 100 Christmas boxes each year to support families,” she said.
“The boxes promote kindness, connection and community spirit, offering practical help and reminding families that they are supported."
The cost of the boxes, which are of a true value of about $70 but are each discounted to $25, totals $2500 — money that comes out of the pockets of local church-goers.
Mr Sanders said the church was more than happy to put money into the initiative, as it aligned closely with its values.
“For us, it’s really about blessing families. Christmas is a pretty important time for us, we think that Jesus came to bring joy to the world, but it’s not a particularly joyful time of year if you’re feeling the pressure of buying presents and food, which every family does to some extent,” he said.
“They’re really about helping to relieve some of the pressure and stress of Christmas so that families can have a more enjoyable and stress-free Christmas.
“If there are families, for instance, that might be having to choose between getting food and buying presents, then maybe this helps them not to have to make that choice.”
The joy the boxes spread is well and truly felt by local families, as evidenced by an anecdote recounted by Ms Summers.
“A family of eight became tearful when they received two hampers,” she said.
“They were overwhelmed by the generosity and said it would make their Christmas much brighter.”
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