General News
16 December, 2025
Community sends Bags of Joy
Children across Maryborough will wake up to a brighter Christmas this year, thanks to the return of the Bags of Joy project, providing gifts to children in need.
A group of students at Maryborough Education Centre (MEC), supported by Maryborough Community House (MCH) and donations from local businesses, have packed a staggering 79 gift bags this year, tripling the amount prepared last Christmas.
The increase comes amid a growing demand for many of MCH’s much loved services, with the organisation’s Jeannie Clark and Jo Carter feeling they’ve helped more families than previous years registering for assistance this Christmas.
“It’s been fantastic, MEC and I have worked together for a while to try and fill the bags because we have had so many… it takes us weeks to work out who needs what, and it’s heartbreaking because we actually can’t fit everybody,” Ms Carter said.
“Everyone has been pitching in, a lot of the smaller businesses have helped.”
The bags have been individually prepared for children ranging from babies to teenagers and include designated gifts such as toys, books, stationery, clothes, blankets, technology accessories and vouchers.
“We have had great assistance from the effort of the students this year, but also local industry and local business,” Ms Clark said.
With the partnership now in its fifth year, MEC’s Jessie Malham feels the Bags of Joy program teaches students the value of giving their time to help other local young people.
“My main message is always bringing joy. Kids obviously receiving joy by participating in the packing, learning about giving back to their community, participating in volunteer work and how that also brings joy,” she said.
“That is always what I have wanted it to be about, the joy of giving, not just receiving, and that’s my favourite thing about the bags of joy campaign.
“It’s supporting young people to experience that joy and helping others.”
Volunteers from MCH will deliver the bags to families in the lead-up to Christmas.