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CTC’s Hamper Drive Reaches 150-Hamper Goal
South Burnett CTC’s annual Christmas Hamper Drive has once again brought the region together in an extraordinary show of local generosity and community spirit.
What began in 2018 with 80 hampers has grown into a region-wide project with a 2025 goal of 150 hampers – a goal that the community has proudly stepped up to meet.
A Community Effort That Keeps Growing
This year saw the biggest expansion yet, with more collection points and partner organisations joining the cause. Longstanding foundation supporter Bill Hull Car Centre once again championed the project, rallying donations and community support from their showroom.
New donation points in Murgon and Nanango helped extend the reach of the drive, ensuring even more local families could be supported this Christmas.
Local schools also embraced the campaign with enthusiasm. Coolabunia State School, Kingaroy State School, Wheatlands State School and St John’s hosted free dress and crazy hair days, filling baskets and boxes with pantry staples and festive treats.
The community response across the region was remarkable:
Generosity From Local Businesses and Partners
CTC is deeply grateful to the many local partners who helped make the 150-hamper goal possible.
Special thanks go to:
Nearly $5,000 was raised to purchase essential pantry items and grocery vouchers for individuals and families.
On Tuesday 16 December, staff and volunteers assembled all 150 hampers, ready for distribution from Wednesday 17 December.
CTC acknowledges and thanks the Lions Club of Kingaroy for their logistical support as the project continues to expand.
“A very tough Christmas for many” – CTC Community Services Manager
CTC Community Services Manager Kirsten Firman says the hampers will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families.
“This is going to be a very tough Christmas for a lot of people,” Mrs Firman said. “These 150 hampers are a gift for people doing it tough – people we’ve stood beside all year who are working incredibly hard to rebuild stability, safety, and confidence in their lives.”
Many recipients have experienced:
“The hampers remind people that they are part of a resilient community,” Mrs Firman said. “They are not forgotten. They are valued, loved, and included.”
Christmas Magic That Stays Local
Every donated item stays in the South Burnett, supporting local families, young people, seniors, and individuals connected with CTC’s services.
“The magic truly happens on Christmas Day,” Mrs Firman added. “Somewhere in our region, someone will open a hamper and feel seen, supported, and cared for – because someone else took a moment to give.”
CTC CEO Jason Erbacher said the hamper drive continues to highlight the strength and generosity of the South Burnett community.
“We are incredibly proud to live and work in a region where people look out for one another,” he said.
“This is what Christmas spirit looks like – local people supporting local people.”
Contributing to Community
Each year, residents ask how they can help those doing it tough.
The Christmas Hamper Drive provides a simple and powerful way to do just that.
“This project is a great way for anyone to contribute back to community,” Mr Erbacher said.
“Every little bit helps and it is one way we can all make a difference in another persons life.”
CTC thanks every school, organisation, business, partner, and individual who contributed to making 150 hampers possible this year.
This is the South Burnett at its best – compassionate, generous, and united.
This is Christmas Magic.
