Local charities Slabs for Heroes and Pam’s Pantry are assembling Christmas hampers for families doing it tough across Canberra, Murrumbateman, and Yass, with the help of Capital Football and Basketball ACT.

Slabs for Heroes’ Roseanne Howes and Pam Zielke (of Pam’s Pantry) work year-round with schools and medical practices to identify families in need. Between them, they support families dealing with disability, mental health challenges, domestic violence and homelessness.

This Christmas they will prepare hampers for more than 50 children through one domestic violence service alone, along with dozens of others across the region.

“We work with people who have experienced more than most of us could ever imagine,” Ms Howes said. “When people donate to us, they can see exactly where it goes. That’s why so many are happy to help.”

Working with the Rose Bush and Inner North pantries and HelpingACT, they put together non-perishable food hampers and Christmas hampers, then reach out to community sporting organisations to see if they want to help.

Capital Football has donated around a dozen kit bags, boxes of near-new footballs, and 20 family passes to Canberra United home games.

CEO Samantha Farrow said her organisation was glad to donate gear that can no longer be used in competition.

“These jerseys are older designs or sponsors, but they’re in great condition. We’d much rather see them go to good use than be thrown out and go into landfill.

“I hope it makes a difference to families in need, and they feel people out there support them and try to help where we can.”

Basketball ACT has also donated boxes of basketballs.

Ms Howes said something as simple as a ball or a match ticket can change a child’s Christmas.

“People don’t have spare cash to go anywhere, so kids don’t get to do anything over the holidays,” she said. “Being able to go to the footy will be huge — and we’ll include a little extra so they can buy a drink or an ice cream.”