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LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Helping Hands
by Lorna Gordon
Christmas is coming, but not everyone is looking forward to the festive time of year. Many people in our community are experiencing food hardship and are struggling to make ends meet, which is difficult enough at any other time of year, but even worse when everyone else seems to be living with excess.
In our community we are fortunate that churches and other voluntary organisations are on hand to offer vital support to anyone doing it tough. There are food pantries and community organisation who are happy to give food to anyone who needs it. You can also find small items which would be great for Christmas presents on some of the local buy, swap, sell or pay it forward pages if you need help to make Christmas special for your family, but your budget is stretched.
Love for Australia is a free grocery store in Seven Hills; you simply make a phone call to book in a time to go shopping. They offer pantry staples, free fruit and veg and also have a bread pantry outside which is stocked up regularly. You can book your time online at loveforaustralia. com. au.
A little outside of the Hills you have Hope Chapel in Blacktown who offer a bag of groceries for $ 7 and free fruit, veggies, meals and bread every Friday. They are open from 9.30 – 12pm at 2 / 55 Forth Avenue, Blacktown.
Karma Kitchen offer vegetarian free meals locally, you can contact them through their Facebook page to organise
this directly, www. facebook. com / karmakitchenaus.
Marsden Park have a free food pantry who also pair up with other local organisations to offer food, you can find out their details on Facebook, and I strongly suggest you check them out because their posts are hilarious! www. facebook. com / freefoodpantryaustralia.
If you are needing help to make your little one’ s day special, then check out Pay it Forward on Facebook- people are giving away items they no longer need, and while you might not get a brand new Nintendo, you are bound to find books, clothing or other small items which are perfect gifts, and it keeps them from going to land fill, which is an extra bonus. You can find them at www. facebook. com / groups / 1619384721405424
Evans Garden Library is also a great source of small toys, books and games for kids. They are based at 331 Glenwood Park Drive, Glenwood, and are always open.
If you are lucky enough not to need these services, you could spread a little Christmas cheer by donating food or toiletries to these places and help another family enjoy Christmas. A little can go a long way when you don’ t have much, and you can be happy knowing you have done your part for the wider community this festive season.
If you are struggling this festive season, our local community can help you. Photo: courtesy of Free Food Pantry, Marsden Park.
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ISSUE 126 // DECEMBER 2025 9