Students from St Phillips Christian College Gosford show their support.
This holiday season, Coast Shelter is calling on the Central Coast community to help make Christmas brighter for families and individuals in need. With a 55% increase in demand for our services, including emergency accommodation and domestic violence support, the need for community support has never been greater.
Together, we can spread joy, provide hope, and make a real difference in the lives of those doing it tough. Here’s how you can get involved in the Coast Shelter Christmas Appeal and help us bring cheer to those who need it most.
Ways you can support the Coast Shelter Christmas Appeal:
1. Make a Financial Donation
Every dollar counts! Donations directly support Coast Shelter’s essential services, including emergency shelter, domestic violence support, and vital resources for families and individuals experiencing crisis. Your contribution can help provide the support they need to get back on their feet.
2. Donate a Food Hamper
Bring the joy of Christmas meals to those in need by donating a food hamper or individual food items. These hampers will go directly to local families and individuals doing it tough. Food hampers or items can be delivered to the Coast Shelter Head Office (346 Mann St, North Gosford) by 9 December.
View and download the Christmas Food Hamper List.
3. Host a Christmas Wishing Tree
Businesses, schools, or community groups can host a Christmas Wishing Tree. We’ll deliver the tree along with gift suggestions for people to buy. Gifts or gift cards can then be placed under the tree, ready to brighten someone’s Christmas morning.
Ideal for workplaces with public spaces or busy staff areas, this is a simple yet impactful way to spread the Christmas spirit. For more information, email events@coastshelter.org.au.
4. Donate a Gift from the Client Wishlist
This year, we’ve gathered a Wishlist from men, women, children, and youth refuge clients. You can donate specific items that will directly meet their needs and wishes.
5. Contribute to the Charity Chest at Erina Fair
From 4–15 December, we’re partnering with Erina Fair to collect new, unwrapped gifts for young people (ages 16-24) and adults, age groups often overlooked during holiday giving. These gifts will bring holiday cheer to local families and individuals.
The Charity Chest will be located near the Gift Wrapping Station, just near Boost Juice.
6. Support our Gift Wrapping Service
From 4–12 December, Coast Shelter staff and volunteers will be wrapping gifts at Erina Fair, with proceeds supporting the Christmas Appeal. Stop by, get your gifts wrapped, and support a great cause while checking off your holiday to-do list!
The Gift Wrapping Station will be located right near Boost Juice.
7. Spread the word
Sometimes, the simplest way to help is by sharing! Post about the Coast Shelter Christmas Appeal on social media, tell your friends and family, or display information at your workplace or local business. The more people who know about the appeal, the bigger the impact we can make together.
Why your support matters
“This year has been especially tough for families and individuals already experiencing crisis and hardship,” said Lee Shearer, CEO of Coast Shelter. “The Coast Shelter Christmas Appeal is about more than providing gifts and meals—it’s about offering hope, dignity, and support to our community members who need it most.”
Every gift, every hamper, and every donation is a step toward making this Christmas a time of joy and kindness for all.
Join the Coast Shelter Christmas Appeal today!
Ready to make a difference? Visit coastshelterchristmasappeal.com.au to learn more, make a donation, or get involved in one of the many ways outlined above.
Together, we can make Christmas brighter for our Central Coast community.
