When Christmas giving comes full circle in the Hilltops

Some of the people donating Christmas gifts to Hilltops children in the annual Toy Run and Family Fun Day know what it means to need that help themselves. Having once received support from Hilltops Community Hub, they have returned, when circumstances improved, to help other families. "We've had recipients of years past get back on their feet and donate," Hilltops Community Hub manager Naomi Peters said. "Those full-circle moments are amazing." It's a fitting reflection of the generosity behind the fifth edition of the annual event, an initiative that began with a motorcycle club recognising a need in the community. Sacred Syndicate Social Motorcycle Club (SSSMC) president Vinnie Behler said the idea was born from a desire to make Christmas easier for families doing it tough. "It was a hole in the local community that we believe needed to be filled," he said. "At the end of the day, we're always happy to help others, because one day it might be us looking for a handout." It is a philosophy that has become increasingly relevant as more Hilltops residents struggle with everyday living costs. During the 2025–26 financial year, more than 1,200 people needed material assistance through Hilltops Community Hub, an increase of 26 per cent on the previous year. The organisation also recorded a 93 per cent rise in people seeking mental health support and a 52 per cent increase in housing-related enquiries and concerns, including homelessness. Ms Peters attributed the growing demand to pressures on household budgets, including mortgage repayments, rent, food and fuel costs. Last Christmas, 106 children received between three and five presents each, while 39 families received additional support, including gifts for parents and food hampers. But just as important as the gifts is the way assistance is offered. Families can nominate themselves or be recommended by friends, relatives and community services, with no requirement to hold a Centrelink card or disclose their personal circumstances in detail. "We ask very few questions and we accept that anyone can be doing it tough so you don't need to be a Centrelink card holder or tell us your complete life story," Ms Peters said. ## Five years of giving back The Toy Run began when Mr Behler approached Hilltops Community Hub and Zac's Place in Harden about distributing Christmas gifts collected by the motorcycle club. He said involving established community organisations was a deliberate decision. "We need local businesses or community groups in the local area that know the people that are struggling," he said. Working with organisations already supporting vulnerable families meant donations could reach those who needed them. The club collects presents through local businesses, giving trees and donations along the Toy Run route, transporting them in an enclosed trailer before distributing them between Zac's Place and Hilltops Community Hub. Participating businesses have included Goodstart Early Learning and the Commercial Hotel, while raffles along the route raise additional funds to supplement donated gifts. Mr Behler said the club organised several charitable activities each year, with members contributing their own time and resources. "We don't take a cut of proceedings," he said. "Every cent raised, we give back." What began as a toy drive has also grown into a community celebration. During the first two years, Hilltops Community Hub staff accompanied the riders through Boorowa, Harden and Young. With Zac's Place supporting families in Harden, the organisation turned its attention to building community participation in Young. The Family Fun Day followed, offering activities including a petting zoo, jumping castle and face painting. "We knew that parents didn't need to be spending extra so close to Christmas so made the day's activities free of charge," Ms Peters said. Five years on, the event continues to grow, supported by volunteers, businesses, schools, emergency services and local organisations. For Mr Behler, seeing that community involvement increase is reward enough. "It's just good to see the community involvement," he said. "It's growing and growing and it's becoming bigger than it originally was." ## A Christmas celebration for everyone The fifth annual Toy Run and Family Fun Day will be held at Anderson Park, Young, on Saturday, December 12, from 10am. Free activities will include a jumping castle, petting zoo, buskers, temporary tattoos, children's raffle, emergency service displays and a visit from Santa. Motorcycles are expected to arrive around 11am, while the Rural Fire Service will provide a barbecue with food available for purchase. The Giving Tree will be at the park, with residents invited to donate unwrapped presents suitable for children aged up to 15 years. All gifts will remain within the Hilltops region. Donations can also be left at Hilltops Community Hub, 2C Campbell Street, Young, or arrangements made by phoning 6382 6328. "We want everyone to come along, we love meeting new and old faces in a safe space where everyone is welcomed," Ms Peters said. For Mr Behler, the reason for continuing to help is simple. "Bad things happen to good people, unfortunately," he said. And for some of the families who have received that help, the opportunity to one day give something back is proof of just how far a little kindness can reach. Keep an eye on our What's On page, on page 2 in the lead up to Christmas.