Donate money, food or gifts to help Canberra Region families doing it tough.
Communities at Work’s Christmas Donations Appeal runs from October to December 2026.
In 2025-26, more Canberra locals needed food support
Rising living costs can hit anyone, at any stage of life. A job loss, an illness or a big bill can change things fast. Everyone deserves to share a meal with the people they love.
35,000+
visits to our Community Pantries, 14% more than the year before
9,297
people supported as pantry members, 8% more than the year before
785
people came to us for the first time
Host a Giving Tree
Workplaces, and community groups can run a Christmas drive for funds, non-perishable food or new gifts.
Host a Giving Tree
Where your christmas donations go
Your Christmas donation goes straight to local people doing it tough. It stocks our Community Pantries with food and essentials, supports people in crisis with hygiene and household items and help with medical scripts, and fills our Christmas Rooms so parents can choose gifts for their children. You help a family sit down to a meal together and wake up to presents on Christmas morning.
Community Pantries
Food and essential items for local people doing it tough, in a welcoming and respectful space.
Crisis Support
Help for people in crisis with food, hygiene and household items, bus tickets, bills, medical scripts and referrals.
Christmas Rooms
A place where individuals and families can choose presents for every person in their household. Many families can’t afford gifts, and this gives parents the joy of giving.
What your christmas donations can do
How to give christmas donations
Give money
Donate online in a few minutes.
Give food
We need non-perishable food, especially Christmas food. Drop it off at any of these sites (Mon to Fri):
Last day for drop-off: 15 December 2026.
Tuggeranong
Gungahlin
Give gifts
We accept new items only. We’re often short of gifts for teenagers and adults. Gift cards in $20 to $30 lots are very useful, and e-gift cards mean you can help from home. Email e-gift cards to admin@commsatwork.org or post gift cards to PO Box 1066, Tuggeranong ACT 2901.
Host a Giving Tree
Workplaces, businesses, shops and community groups can run a Christmas drive for funds, non-perishable food or new gifts. It’s a great team activity.
*Stats from 2025
Listen out for Pack the Bus
Once again, Communities at Work are thrilled to partner with MIX106.3 and Transport Canberra for their ‘Pack the Bus’ fundraising drive. Help us pack a bus with essential food items and gifts for people in need.
Register to be a Pack the Bus stop
Pack the Bus Corporate Sponsors
“There for me when life changed unexpectedly”
A Crisis Support client shares their story. This story is not from the Christmas Appeal.
“After a serious accident, I couldn’t work and so unexpectedly lost my regular income. I suddenly faced significant financial pressure trying to manage rent, bills and everyday household expenses.
Read the full story
It was a very stressful and uncertain time. Being able to pick up food from the Gungahlin Community Centre Pantry helped take some of the immediate financial pressure off and meant I could keep meeting my essential needs.
I recently went back to the pantry with some great news. I have recovered enough to go back to work, resolving most of the financial challenges I was facing. I’m now beginning to rebuild my stability and am looking confidently toward the future.
I am incredibly grateful for the support I received from Communities at Work when I was very vulnerable and needed it most. It made a real, meaningful difference during one of the most difficult periods of my life and helped me move forward with greater confidence.”
Frequently asked questions: Christmas Donations
When does the Communities at Work Christmas Appeal run?
The Christmas Appeal 2026 runs from October to December 2026. You can donate money online at any time. The last day to drop off food and gifts is 15 December 2026 .
Where can I donate Christmas food in Canberra?
You can drop off non-perishable food at our community sites in Tuggeranong (Greenway), Gungahlin, Weston Creek (Holder) and Denman Prospect. They’re open Monday to Friday. Check the opening hours listed above.
What food and gifts can I donate?
We accept non-perishable food and new gifts for children, teenagers and adults. We’re often short of Christmas food and gifts for teenagers and adults. Gift cards in $20 to $30 lots are also helpful, including e-gift cards. See the full list here.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Donations of $2 or more to Communities at Work are tax deductible. A receipt is sent by email.
Where does my donation go?
Your gift supports our Community Pantries, Crisis Support and Christmas Rooms for people in the Canberra Region.
Can my workplace or community group help?
Yes. Workplaces, businesses, shops and community groups can host a Giving Tree, which is a Christmas drive for funds, non-perishable food or new gifts. Contact us at admin@commsatwork.org to get started.
Who can use the Community Pantries?
If you need support, or know someone who does, our pantries are here to help. Get in touch to learn more.
Be part of someone’s Christmas
You can help a family sit down to a meal together and open a present. It starts with one gift.
Questions? Email admin@commsatwork.org Call 02 6293 6500 or visit our Get in Touch page.
