This is what community looks like at Christmas

Published on 19 December 2025

When a grandmother walked into a local community support centre last year, she didn't think anyone could help her provide Christmas gifts for her 12 grandchildren. She walked out with a car full of toys and tears in her eyes.

This is the kind of quiet magic that unfolds on the Mornington Peninsula each year when the community comes together for Christmas toy drives.

Behind every wrapped present is a story of generosity: a volunteer who collected over 100 gifts, an elderly couple who have been donating for 35 years, local businesses pitching in and schools collecting toys from classrooms.

The Peninsula’s three Community Support Centres, Westernport, Mornington and Southern Peninsula, see firsthand how hard Christmas can be.

When businesses close, income stops and costs rise, they step in so families, grandparents and carers can still experience the joy of Christmas morning, including teenagers who are often hardest to buy for, and even pets this year.

We're proud to support these incredible organisations through our Christmas Giving Program, now in its second year, providing additional drop-off points for community donations.

Watch the video to see the incredible array of gifts donated by our amazing community.

From all of us at Mornington Peninsula Shire, we wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season.