When poverty, homelessness and domestic violence create an uncertain, sometimes dangerous home environment, many South Australian families struggle to provide their kids with the essentials: clothes, a cot, shoes, bedding, basic homewares and toys.

Being unable to provide for your child is devastating — but that’s where Treasure Boxes comes in. We’re a team of passionate people dedicated to preventing hardship and trauma by providing kids in need with critical items many take for granted.

2020 brought challenges we had never faced but we continued forward, ensuring that disadvantaged families didn’t get left behind despite lockdowns, job losses, and restricted access to community services.

Even with a 4-week closure and reduced volunteer numbers, with your support we were able to support an incredible 1,507 South Australian babies, kids and teens in 2020 who would otherwise be without the basic essentials.

Breaking away from our original ‘Treasure Box’ of clothes, shoes or toys, we now provide families with a whole range of items to ensure their newborn has a safe place to sleep, kids and teens have access to basic hygiene essentials, and the whole household can have fresh sheets on their bed.

2020 in numbers:

One of the most shocking patterns we saw in 2020 was the increase in domestic-violence related disadvantage. 88% of requests for support were due to domestic and family violence – 30% more than 2019. To cater to this need, we increased the number of homewares and linen packs we delivered. A dinner set and saucepans may not seem life-changing, but to a vulnerable mum who has just left everything behind to start anew, it’s one less thing she has to think about on the long list of demands.

“Jane is a new mum who has just given birth to a beautiful baby boy. She doesn’t have a partner nor does she have the funds to pay for all the things she needs to care for her baby when she leaves the hospital. She is scared, alone, and just wants the best for her son.

Jane needs a cot, pram, baby car capsule, feeding equipment, clothing and nappies so she can properly care for her new baby. She has no way of affording these items herself, meaning she would have to go without, putting the welfare and wellbeing of her newborn baby at risk.

If she paid retail for all of these items, it could cost her over $3,000. She speaks to her maternity nurse at the hospital who contacts Treasure Boxes. We provide Jane with all of the items she needs to set up a safe nursery. Jane now feels supported knowing her newborn has everything to ensure his safety, and she can start to enjoy life as a new mum.”

Our plans for 2021

As South Australians still work to recover from the impact COVID-19 had on our workforce, families will still need our help, and we’re expecting even bigger numbers than last year.

We’re working hard to strengthen our services and increase our impact – developing easier ways for services to request our support, and a way to reach communities outside of the metro region.

It’s no secret that organisations like Treasure Boxes simply would not have the impact that’s needed in our community without your generous support.

Help improve the lives of hundreds of vulnerable families across our state by making a donation today.

In 2020, we transformed every $1 you donated  into $14 of value to SA families.

Or make a regular weekly $5 donation to support a  newborn baby with everything they need to thrive and survive.

On to a happier, safer 2021,

Treasure Boxes