By Sonia Isaacs
AS the festive season approaches, Morris House Neighbourhood Centre in Landsborough has once again become a beacon of support for locals facing hardship.
Conversations with key volunteers Morris House co-ordinator Jenny Stevenson and Sue McFallon reveal the careful planning, compassion and community spirit driving their efforts to deliver emergency relief and Christmas cheer to some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
Donations for this year’s Christmas hampers are steadily flowing in.
Local churches have rallied behind the cause, and community organisations such as Club Glass House are collecting toys to ensure children from struggling families still experience the magic of Christmas morning.
“Even the smallest contributions make a world of difference,” Jenny said, highlighting that many clients have limited storage space, so every gift must be thoughtful and practical.
Sue agrees, adding: “The community’s response always reminds us that kindness is alive and well, especially when it matters most.”
The volunteer team at Morris House have noticed a sharp rise in the number of people seeking support compared with previous years.
Some days the centre is bustling, with families, single women and older residents all seeking help – part of a growing demographic trend that reflects cost-of-living pressures.
“It’s clear that more people are struggling, and our role has never been more essential,” Jenny explained. Morris House offers far more than food parcels. Their emergency relief programme provides pantry staples, frozen meals and essentials shopping vouchers essential for people finding it difficult to make ends meet.
The centre also gives visitors access to computers and printers, enabling them to reconnect with family, search for work or navigate essential services. Perhaps most importantly, Morris House offers a warm, welcoming space to sit down, have a coffee and share a conversation.
“People need dignity and a sense of belonging just as much as they need food,” Jenny said.
Despite their dedication, Jenny and Sue are candid about the challenges.
Resources are often stretched, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas.
There are times when the team must refer clients to other agencies for specialised assistance. “It’s hard when we can’t do everything ourselves,” Jenny admitted.
“But we always make sure people leave with a pathway forward.”
Another concern this year is the centre’s upcoming holiday closure, from December 19 to January 19. Determined to ensure that no one is left without support, Morris House volunteers are compiling a comprehensive list of alternative services, food outlets and shelters available during that time.
“The month-long closure is tough for everyone, but we do our best to ensure support networks remain,” Sue said.
From emergency food relief to the preparation of Christmas hampers, the team at Morris House embodies the generosity of a community determined to look after its own.