A Geelong disability agency is taking its annual Christmas drive public in a bid to increase festive donations for those in need.
Encompass Community Services chief executive officer Elaine Robb urged locals to donate non-perishable food, toys, games, books and personal hygiene items at one of four locations around Geelong.
“Share the love this Christmas,” she said.
Encompass would distribute the donations to help “take away the pressure” from vulnerable families and disabled or disadvantaged jobseekers, Ms Robb said.
“Every year, when we give the gifts to families, they are so appreciative of the effort and generosity (of) their community to make sure they have a perfect Christmas Day.”
In past years Encompass had collected donations in-house for its Tub of Love drive, Ms Robb explained.
“Due to the success of the initiative we have chosen to encourage public donations, to help a larger group of vulnerable community members across Geelong and the Bellarine,” she said.
“It is important for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to work together as a community, especially during this period that for some can come with uncertainty and added pressure to provide for their families.”
Encompass Community Services is collecting for the drive at its Geelong West offices, Bunnings Warehouse, Leopold, Discount Stationers, Bell Park, and 94.7 The Pulse until 14 December.
