Ten Years of Community Kindness
Ten years ago, Santa’s Little Helpers began with a simple and practical response to a real need. Carla Haddan, alongside Debbie Hill from Lighthouse Care, recognised the added pressure Christmas places on families already facing hardship. What started as a small community effort has grown into an annual initiative built on generosity, dignity and care. This year, that same heart was clearly on display.
A Community That Shows Up
Each year, individuals, families and organisations from the community sign up to shop for a child or a family they may never meet, simply because they want to help. Some return year after year. Others join for the first time. Together, they form a community of shoppers known as ‘Santas Little Helpers’ united by kindness and generosity. In 2025, this community supported 330 children.Every child completes a Christmas wishlist: Something I want, something I need, something to wear and something to read. These wishlists guide the shoppers, ensuring children receive gifts that feel personal and meaningful, gifts they genuinely asked Santa for.
The Families
The families supported through Santa’s Little Helpers are navigating a wide range of challenges. This includes single parents rebuilding after domestic violence, families experiencing serious health emergencies, children grieving the loss of a parent, children who have been removed from their parents, families facing homelessness and households under unexpected financial strain. Christmas can intensify these pressures. Santa’s Little Helpers exists to bring peace, hope and joy during what can otherwise be a heavy season.
This year families were nominated by: Village Connect, 5FOLD, Lighthouse, Kingston Primary School, Benevolent: Intensive Family Support, Benevolent: Family and Child Connect, Wesley Mission, Family Services, Gunya Meta, Loganholme Police
The Shoppers
This year we had over 165 amazing shoppers who rallied across Australia (yes even a shopper from Melbourne ) to fulfil wishlists. Many generous shoppers provided gifts for multiple children.
Organisations Who Went Above and Beyond
Several organisations stepped forward to support a significant number of children this year:
- Fiitclub: supported wishlists for 73 children
- U & U Recruitment: supported wishlists for 14 children
- Quota Beenleigh: supported wishlists for 10 children
- Jadair Electrical: supported wishlishts for 7 children
In addition, a number of other organisations also shopped for presents, contributing to the collective effort to ensure every child was covered.
Creating Moments and Memories of Joy
Support extended beyond gifts. Thanks to the generosity of Event Cinemas, families were invited to a free Christmas movie experience, complete with popcorn and drinks, a simple but meaningful moment of togetherness.
Following this, some families attended an event at Lighthouse Care, where children met Santa and received the gifts they had wished for, in a warm and welcoming environment. Several organisations connected to the families also hosted their own Christmas events, continuing care and connection within their communities.
What This Represents Ten years on
Santa’s Little Helpers remains centred on one thing: a community choosing generosity and kindness. This Christmas, 330 children experienced joy. Families felt supported. And hope was shared in practical, tangible ways.
Supporting Families Beyond Santa’s Little HelpersIn the lead-up to Christmas, the need for support extended far beyond what Santa’s Little Helpers could meet. This year, more than 200 children remained on a waiting list for Christmas assistance. Several organisations ran toy drives, providing much-needed gifts for children who would otherwise miss out.
- Fulton Hogan delivered 200 toys
- Pool Pro Logan donated slip and slides, bringing practical, summer-friendly fun to families
In addition, a financial donation enabled Lighthouse Care to purchase hundreds of additional toys, allowing us to host a large giveaway day where children could come in, choose a present, and leave with something just for them. Alongside gifts for children, support for parents and guardians was equally important. Food hampers were provided to families to ease the pressure of Christmas meals and grocery costs.
- 80 food hampers donated by Hillsong Church City Care
- 100 food hampers donated by Fiitclub and Chris’ IGA
- A pallet of food and toys donated by Greenbank Scouts Club
- PA Hospital hosted a food drive to donate
These hampers ensured families had practical support alongside the joy of Christmas giving. Lighthouse Care continued providing free $25 trolleys to those in emergency situations, helping families access groceries during a season when expenses are often at their highest. These efforts helped ensure that even families facing long waiting lists still experienced care, dignity and practical support this Christmas. Through generosity, collaboration and community action, many families were reminded they are not alone. Thank you to every shopper, organisation and supporter who helped bring peace, hope and joy to families and children this Christmas.
Christmas Blitz
Through our Christmas Blitz we were able to pack over 5,500 Good Food hampers for the community. Special thanks to the following organisations for giving their time to help pack hampers.
- Your Town Kids Helpline
- Convoy Of Hope
- Brisbane South Primary Health Network
- Logan City Council
- White Lady Funerals
- Lighthouse Family Church
- Commonwealth Bank
- Martinus Degnan JV
- Melissa McMahon MP & Leanne Enoch MP
Volunteers Needed
Local Heroes
Good Apparel
This year families were nominated by: Village Connect, 5FOLD, Lighthouse, Kingston Primary School, Benevolent: Intensive Family Support, Benevolent: Family and Child Connect, Wesley Mission, Family Services, Gunya Meta, Loganholme Police
