DANDENONG STAR JOURNAL
Home » Christmas charities to the fore

Christmas charities to the fore

Christmas is a time for compassion and generosity, with local organisations are prepared to do more than ever.

South East Community Links (SECL) is spreading kindness this festive season by distributing Dignity Bags to support individuals and families in need.

A hundred of these will be given during the normal trading hours of SECL at its Dandenong office at 186 Foster Street donated by Share the Dignity organisation.

“The holiday season can be especially challenging for many people,” CEO Peter McNamara says.

“Through Dignity Bags, we hope to bring a little relief and remind our community that they are not alone—we care, and we’re here to help.”

These bags contain essential personal care items, offering comfort and dignity to those doing it tough during the Christmas period.

SECL’s initiative is aimed to reflect its commitment to ensuring that everyone in the community feels valued and supported.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Vinnies South Eastern Soup Van will also be provide Christmas desserts, cakes, treats and toys for children in the weeks before its last operational day on 23 December. It will resume from 5 January 2026.

SOUP VAN ITINERARY

TUESDAYS – Dandenong

• 6.16pm – 7.15pm Dandenong Plaza Corner of Clow & Lonsdale Streets – opposite Dandenong Market

THURSDAYS – Berwick & Surrounds

• 6:30pm – 7pm Narre Warren IGA Car Park

• 7:15pm – 7:45pm Orient Place, Hampton Park (car park)

SUNDAYS – Berwick & Surrounds

• 6:30pm – 7pm Narre Warren IGA Car Park

• 7:15pm – 7:45pm Orient Place, Hampton Park (car park)

TUESDAYS – Mobile Pantry Van (1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month)

• 11:30am – 11:45am Narre Warren IGA Car Park

• 12:00pm – 12:30pm – Orient Place, Hampton Park (car park)

Digital Editions


  • Push for Tuesday council meetings

    Push for Tuesday council meetings

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 459947 A Greater Dandenong councillor has called for another change to council meeting dates, citing fatigue and unsustainable workloads.…

More News

  • Police boost road presence for long weekend

    Police boost road presence for long weekend

    Police will be ramping up their operations and presence on the road over the public holiday long weekend, focusing on excessive speeds as well as drink and drug driving. Victorian…

  • Stay vigilant around water this long weekend

    Stay vigilant around water this long weekend

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 153243 Ambulance Victoria is urging people to take extra care in and around water this long weekend, as a spate of tragic drownings continue…

  • Road-safety first for schools

    Road-safety first for schools

    Casey Council has released a national-first road safety guide aimed at reducing child pedestrian injuries around schools. A Practical Guide to Safer School Precincts was launched at the newly-opened Kala…

  • Celebrating a good harvest

    Celebrating a good harvest

    Basking in sunshine, about 200 celebrated a Pongal harvest festival in Harmony Square, Dandenong on Sunday 18 January. Victorian Tamil Cultural Association staged the 32nd annual event, featuring drumming, dancing…

  • OPINION: The back-to-school survival guide for working mums

    OPINION: The back-to-school survival guide for working mums

    So, you survived Christmas and are limping to the finishing line as school holidays come to a close. You are expected to be ‘refreshed’ as you return to work, yet…