November 13, 2025
The 2025 Christmas Hamper Drive – a South Burnett-wide effort to support local families doing it tough during the holiday season – is on again!
The annual campaign, now in its seventh year, is led by South Burnett CTC and Bill Hull Car Centre, which under new ownership, now includes Ken Mills Toyota Kingaroy.
“Many people ask us, how can we help those struggling in our community?” CTC CEO Jason Erbacher said.
“There are many times when specialist support is required, however the Christmas Hamper Drive is a key initiative where anyone can help.
“Every year, we see incredible generosity from local businesses, schools and families who simply want to make the Christmas period brighter for someone else. It’s a powerful reminder that when South Burnett comes together, we can achieve amazing things.”
The Christmas Hamper Drive began in 2018, inspired by former Bill Hull Car Centre owner Jacqui Trace who wanted to give back to the community by supporting CTC.
What started with just 80 hampers has grown into a major local initiative, with CTC this year aiming to prepare and deliver 150 hampers to families and individuals doing it tough.
The Kingaroy Lions Club will be helping this year, collecting donations from the designated drop-off points and helping to sort the donations ready for hampers.
“This campaign is about dignity, inclusion, and belonging,” CTC community services manager Kirsten Firman said.
“We want to make sure people feel seen, supported and cared for – especially at this time of year when it can feel hardest to ask for help.”
Members of the community and local businesses can donate at any of the following drop off locations:
- Bill Hull Car Centre and Ken Mills Toyota, Kingaroy
- Kingaroy Mall (near Woolworths)
- Any CTC office (Murgon, Wondai, Kingaroy and Nanango)
- Heritage Bank branches in Kingaroy and Nanango
- Wondai Post Office
Local schools have also begun collecting, with Coolabunia State School leading the way.
CTC is encouraging more schools, workplaces and community groups to get involved and keep the momentum growing.
Tarong Power Stations have come on board again this year, with Stanwell encouraging its employees to support the cause.
“Giving back could look like cleaning out your pantry and donating items that you don’t use or doing a special shop to donate,” Jason said.
“The hampers include many staples that help families get through not just Christmas day, but the holiday period.”
Donations of non-perishable pantry staples and Christmas treats are welcome ie. anything unopened and within its use-by date.
Examples could include pasta, pasta sauce, rice, cereals, long-life milk, custard and tinned goods.
Community members can also donate their Containers for Change refunds to South Burnett CTC (Code C10233869) or make a cash contribution via www.sbctc.com.au. Any cash donations received between now and Christmas will go towards the Christmas Hamper Drive.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s one item or a box full – every contribution makes a difference,” Jason said. “Together, we can make Christmas a little easier for local families who need it most. Give what you can, every little bit helps”.
