Christmas stories

When 17-year-old Zara announced her plan to volunteer at a Salvation Army Christmas lunch last year, many were surprised by her choice. It’s not the typical way a teenager spends Christmas Day! Even more impressive, she organised $1000 worth of gifts for the local Salvation Army service to support teens in need.

Zara (right) enjoyed volunteering with the Salvos last Christmas Day.

Now studying architecture at university, Zara spent 2023 serving others as school captain at Marian College in Myrtleford (Vic.). During this time, she received the Bishop Joseph Grech scholarship and decided to use the funds to make a difference for struggling teens at Christmas.

Zara involved Year 8 students transitioning into Year 9, organising them into pairs to buy gifts for their peers. She and her sister then delivered the $1000 worth of gifts to the Benalla Salvos before Christmas.

Inspired by Zara’s efforts — and recalling that Zara and her dad had volunteered with the Salvos years earlier — her mum, a teacher at her school, suggested the family continue their community support by volunteering at the Benalla Salvos lunch on Christmas Day.

Needs in community greater than ever

Salvos Captain Ben Anderson, who, together with wife Captain Jaimee Anderson, leads The Salvation Army corps in Benalla, says: “Our 2023 Christmas Cheer program saw more requests for assistance than ever before. We had a 30 per cent increase in provision last year, following our previous busiest year in 2022.

“We often receive many gifts for younger children but not as many for those in late primary school and beyond, so we are very thankful for Zara and the Bishop Joseph Grech scholarship team.

“It was wonderful to give whole families a real boost at Christmas time — it was a tough year for many,” Ben says.

“Having the Year 8 students choose gifts for peers their own age was a wonderful way of helping them understand the challenging circumstances of many in our community and providing gifts that are current and popular. They were gratefully received.”

Care for the community a priority

Ben says the Christmas lunch is designed to provide “a safe and welcoming space” for people in the community — many facing financial disadvantage and some experiencing homelessness.

He says: “For many, the lunch is a highlight of their Christmas because it breaks down the barriers of isolation and loneliness some face daily. We see the love of Jesus, hope and joy as we all come together to celebrate his birth.

“For Zara and the family to join our volunteers on Christmas Day was lovely. It lifted our community members and encouraged us and our other volunteers. It enriched the community as a whole, and that was a Christmas blessing all round!”

Connect with your community this Christmas at a local Salvos event.

Zara says she learned a great deal through the experience.

“I was a bit surprised at the Christmas Day lunch. I expected a lot of homeless people straight off the streets and young families, but many were older and widowed,” she says. “I served food, my sister handled drinks, and we washed dishes. My dad, especially, was talking to people.

“I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering — do it — especially if you have Christmases full of food, gifts, and people. It was really good to support others. I realised more than ever how fortunate I am.” Zara found talking to community members both enjoyable and eye-opening. “A lot of people we met who came off the streets were sharing houses together. There were some really sad stories — addiction, people who couldn’t see their kids,” she explains. “I talked to a lady who is a Salvation Army case worker and checks in with people in the community. It was cool to know that she cares for them. I didn’t know anyone did that in the community.”

Christmas of abundance

Zara’s parents also volunteered with The Salvation Army on Christmas Day last year.

Coming from family Christmases usually piled with food, desserts and hams, Zara said she learned a great deal from the gratitude those at the lunch expressed for simple salads and cold meat. She said it was lovely to pack up leftovers and extra food to send home with community members.

She now encourages everyone to look for volunteer opportunities.

“I feel [through] being school captain and volunteering for The Salvation Army, I met many people who have had different experiences and stories. To have the best life, you really do have to put yourself out there and try new things,” Zara says.

“My mum keeps saying to me about lots of things — like starting uni and not knowing anyone — 'step out of your comfort zone' — you really have to do that to have great experiences, meet new people, and learn great new stuff.”