The Christmas Box Story

2 - Person packing

Christmas Box was born out of a desire to see families that are struggling at Christmas time not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy and share this special time of year with family and friends. The Christmas Box is a food hamper that will cater to a family of 4-6 people, with the idea to cover a day’s worth of meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner, understanding a family’s need of the basics such as sugar, rice, pasta etc. as well as adding some treats & Christmas decorations. 

Christmas Box started in New Zealand in 2001 under the name “Christmas Hamper project” in a small room with 20 volunteers. They collected donated grocery items and packed them into banana boxes, individually wrapped the boxes in Christmas paper and delivered them to families in the local community.

14 years on and it is now a major project that has gained credibility with both community organisations and major sponsors. The heart of Christmas Box has remained the same throughout the years to literally deliver “Christmas in a Box” to families & individuals in need at Christmas time. Each year the Christmas Box project works alongside other community organisations to help identify and locate families who are in need of a Christmas Box.

In Dec 2013 Christmas Box was pioneered in Melbourne through ‘The Life Centre Trust’ a not for profit organisation and packed 500 boxes. Having such an amazing response we doubled in 2014 and now in what will be our 4th year, we are aiming to pack and distribute 2,500 Christmas boxes which will impact over 8000 individuals. 

Some of our key partnerships that we distribute Christmas Boxes through are the following:

McCauley Women’s Services, Open Doors home for Men, Whitelion, Flemington Commission Flats, North Melbourne Commission Flats, LIFE Church, Twenty Man Foundation, Australian Multicultural Community Service, Asylum Seeker Service, Services for Homeless people, Aged & Disability service & Family Support. 

We are so grateful for the partnership and generosity of many that literally makes this project possible & really does bring so much joy to the marginalized.

We know that together we can bring relief and show kindness to all; and through a simple Christmas Box also impart value and give the gift of joy and hope during this special time of year.