Seasonal help stretched

By Alison Noonan
FINANCIALLY struggling Cranbourne families are desperately turning to local support services to ease the pressure of Christmas.
Volunteers at the Cranbourne Information and Support Service say they have been run off their feet in the lead up to Christmas, assisting up to 25 families a day with food vouchers, hampers and toys.
CISS manager Leanne Petrides said the service had been stretched to capacity, with calls for help during November and December almost doubled from the same time last year.
“We are already about a month and a half in advance compared to the same time last Christmas,” she said.
“Over the last two months we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of families coming in for assistance, in the form of food vouchers, help with back to school costs and counselling.
“Last week we ran out of vouchers an hour and a half before closing every day.”
Ms Petrides said many parents were battling financial strains during the festive period, resulting in relationship breakdowns, stress and even domestic violence.
“Many people come here in tears, frustrated at how hard this time of year is for them.
“A lot of families are already panicking about back to school costs and how they will be able to entertain the kids during the holidays.
“Things are more stressful and tense at this time. The community is very vulnerable at the moment,” she said.
Ms Petrides said simple items that were often taken for granted, such as mince pies or Christmas stockings, had put a smile on the faces of many needy families.
“People are even struggling to afford simple treats to put on the table for Christmas Day.
“These things wouldn’t feed a family but are extra luxuries that can mean the difference between a stressful and more enjoyable Christmas Day,” she said.
Mrs Petrides praised the overwhelming show of community support the service had received through donations and volunteer work.
“There has been a real strength and desire to pitch in and help at this stressful time of year.
“However we know these hardships will continue into the new year as people recover from Christmas.
“Many families have stretched themselves out over the holidays so I don’t expect things will settle down for us until February or early March,” she said.
Cranbourne Salvation Army Support Services manager Hennie Watts said her volunteers had been distributing Christmas gifts right up to the last day of operation yesterday.
Ms Watts said the service had given toys to about 700 children, assisted 270 families with vouchers and handed out another 100 hampers.
“We have received a strong demand for food, hampers and toys.