With the festive season fast approaching, we are thrilled to announce the return of our annual Gift Drive, bringing cheer to children and families facing personal and financial challenges across the Border and beyond.
Building on the incredible success of last year’s Christmas Drive – which saw over $17,000 in gifts distributed to more than 450 children and young people – Junction is expanding its reach beyond only Wodonga in 2025.
“This year, we’re aiming higher,” says Ben Corio, Junction’s Community Engagement and Impact Manager. “We want every child we support to feel the joy of receiving a gift this Christmas. To make that happen, we’re calling on volunteers and businesses across all our locations to get involved.”
Throughout November, Junction is inviting businesses and community members to donate new, unwrapped gifts suitable for children aged 0-17, including toys, books, and clothing. Financial donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase age-appropriate gifts and essentials for families in need.
“We know the cost of living continues to impact families across our region,” says Junction CEO Megan Hanley. “That’s why this year’s Gift Drive is more important than ever. With your help, we can surpass the 200 families we supported last year and ensure even more children wake up to something special on Christmas morning.”
What is Junction’s Gift Drive?
It’s a community-powered initiative that collects gifts and donations to support children and families doing it tough. Every contribution – big or small – helps spread joy and dignity during the holiday season.
How to get involved
Donate a gift: New, unwrapped items for children aged 0-17
Make a financial contribution: Junction will purchase gifts on your behalf
Donations can be dropped off at Junction’s main office or at Junction’s generous Gift Drive partners.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A CASH DONATION AND WE WILL PURCHASE A GIFT ON YOUR BEHALF
Wodonga Drop Off Points
Junction Support Services – 155 Melbourne Rd
Close Collective Cafe – 198 High Street
HB Collective – 3/156 DeKerilleau Drive
Harris Liberman Solicitors – 87 Hume Street
La Trobe University – 133 McKoy Street
The Klinic – 4/2 South Street
Wodonga TAFE – 87 McKoy Street
Guardian Child Care – 71 Thomas Mitchell Drive
Mysa Movement – 108 High Street
Albury Drop Off Points
ANZ Business Centre – 574 Kiewa Street
Specialised Heating and Cooling – 529 Griffith Road
Camera House – 494 Dean Street
Cubby House Early Leaning – 454 Griffith Road, Lavington
RSM Australia – 564 David Street
Embrace Education Services – 512 Swift Street
Wangaratta Drop Off Points
Junction Wangaratta – 9 Ely Street Wangaratta Library – 21 Docker Street Bully’s Barber Shop – 75 Ovens Street Bendigo Bank – 98 Murphy Street Wangaratta Seventh-day Adventist Church – 10-12 Phillipson Street (by appointment only, 0407 006 751)
Shepparton Drop Off Points
Junction Support Services – 43A Wyndham Street