Shared Table overflowing with Christmas hampers and support

It was a record year for Shared Table’s Christmas hampers, with an incredible effort from volunteers and the community who rallied to give locals in need a merry Christmas.

“We gave out 177 hampers that helped 335 adults, 59 teenagers, and 168 children, which is a total of 562 people in the community,” said assistant secretary Joan Griffiths.

Rows and rows of thoughtfully curated Christmas hampers containing the holiday essentials, toys, and more were packed and ready to go at 8 am on Friday.

Shared Table’s hamper drive started four years ago, with hamper numbers climbing annually, but 2023 in particular, saw a huge jump, with almost 60 more added, and last-minute calls coming through on the day.

“It’s huge for people who are struggling, it’s a big helping hand for them –those who receive them would be very grateful,” said volunteer Marie Hatch. “At least we can bring them a bit of joy, that’s why we love this so much because we are able to give this to them.”

The community rallied for the cause too, and Narrabri and District Community Aid Service popped in to help wrap presents, and the Narrabri High School leadership team facilitated their own “Toys and Tucker” drive to help with donations.

The group of NHS students also volunteered their time every Friday as part of their Kindness Initiative and helped in preparing the Shared Table annual Christmas luncheon for over 80 people a few weeks back.

NHS Student Representative Council helped out with their “Toys and Tucker” drive: Back, school captain Lachlan Eather, prefect William Faris, SRC coordinator Ben Duncan, prefect Daniel Smith, vice captain Kate Weekes, front, prefect Kaitlin Barnes, vice-captain George Bennett, captain Pearl Fuller and prefect Mietta Smith.

“That’s not to mention the countless local businesses and individuals who donated food and hampers too,” said Joan.

“We ordered 120 boxes from Foodbank NSW to start with, then Santos came good with another 40 hampers, Whitehaven Coal gave us 10 and we’ve made up whatever extra emergencies we can do.

“The support has been so wonderful, thanks to all volunteers, all donations, and last week we were in here sweltering and an anonymous donor went and bought us an air conditioner.”

When doors opened, donations were still coming in the door, and everyone went accounted for as hamper coordinator extraordinaire Debbie Smith sat ready to mark each individual hamper off the list.

“We don’t know if we had so many because people desperately need more stuff or that people now know we’re here and can help,” said Debbie.

“Santa has definitely been working overtime, the whole team has been preparing hampers all week.”

The not-for-profit organisation exists through the generosity of local volunteers and local businesses to provide a Friday shared meal, or basic hampers containing fresh fruit and vegie, food, health, and beauty products to those in need.

“We wish our community a blessed, healthy, prosperous new year, and if we can help with some food, if you’re struggling, please reach out to us, we are here to help,” said Debbie.