But unfortunately, this isn’t the case for everyone. For some Christmas time looks very different...

For some COVID has forced them into financial hardship, living under the poverty line or for some homeless.

For some this won't be their first Christmas alone, or on the streets with nowhere to turn. 

For some this will be their first Christmas with a baby. Alone with no funds or loved ones to support them. 

 A mother in her thirties, (let’s call her Anna) contacted Share the Dignity to thank us so much for the kind gift herself and her teenage daughter had received. She and her 13-year-old daughter received an #itsinthebag Christmas appeal donation.

Anna had been living in a car for 8 months with her 4 children ages 2, 5, 10, and 13 years old. She told us about her 13-year-old daughter who had attempted suicide because she had been sexually abused by a family member and had been living in the destruction of Family violence.

After falling behind in rent they were evicted from their home. Alone and with nowhere to turn, Anna had no option but to make the decision to live in the car to ensure their safety. 

Life is difficult for Anna but she ensures the kids go to school and is trying to keep their family together.

"I knew there would be gifts for the little ones at Christmas time, but when my daughter and I received a bag each filled to the brim I could do nothing but cry at the look on my daughter's face. She felt like everyone should feel... special." 

Want to host a virtual #ItsInTheBag collection or hold an #ItsInTheBag party? 

We just love how our community gets behind #ItsInTheBag and gets creative when it comes to collecting and packing bags. Whether it's getting the girls or your family together and packing your bags or hosting a team bonding activity in your workplace or school, your support goes a long way and makes a huge difference. 

Register to let us know that you are hosting an #it'sInTheBag party or virtual collection this year so we can support you. By registering you will also be given an online donation page so any friends, family or work colleagues that can't be part of the party can make a donation towards bags being packed or so you can collect donations instead of products if you can't all be together this year.

Any donations you receive will be tallied into a total amount raised and any donation over $2 will automatically receive a tax-deductible receipt for any donation over $2. 

It's so easy - simply click register and follow the steps. Once registered you will have access to tools and resources for your party or virtual collection.