Community generosity and compassion have made Junction Support Services’ 2025 Gift Drive the largest ever.
Junction is now collating hundreds of donations – valued at more than $20,000
Last Christmas, Junction supported 450 children and young people across 240 families, with donations valued at more than $17,000. Gift Drive Coordinator Ben Corio says that, thanks to our amazing community, Junction expects to surpass that level of support this Christmas.
“We are overwhelmed by the kindness our community has shown. Every gift helps a child feel seen and cared for this season,” Ben says.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who dropped off gifts, and to the local businesses and groups who helped spread the word and volunteered their time and space to be drop-off points. We couldn’t do this without you.”
This year’s Drive also saw our largest involvement from businesses and organisations. 2025 volunteer donation drop-off locations were:
- HB Collective
- Hotondo Homes Albury
- OBrien Real Estate
- PT Fitness
- Tots 2 Teens
- Harris Lieberman Solicitors
- La Trobe University
- The Klinic
- TAFE NSW Albury
- Wodonga TAFE
- Guardian Child Care
- Mysa Movement
- Close Collective Café
- World Gym – Albury and Wodonga
- ANZ Business Centre
- Specalized Heating and Cooling
- Camera House
- Cubby House Early Learning
- RSM Australia
- Embrace Education Services
- Wangaratta library
- Bully’s Barber Shop
- Bendigo Bank – Henty and Wangaratta
- Wangaratta Seventh-day Adventist Church
“We are extremely grateful to the many wonderful local businesses, organisations and community members that so openly volunteer their support to our community through the Gift Drive,” says Ben.
The donated gifts, along with Carvan Food Hampers and Share the Dignity bags, will be distributed to families, helping to ensure more children, teenagers, and families experience a positive Christmas Day.
Recipients include children and households identified through Junction Support Services’ local outreach and support programs.