Love in Action

Every Saturday at St Margaret’s Uniting and Holy Cross Anglican, in Hackett, ACT, a vibrant community gathers.

Volunteers arrive early to sort donated bread, fruit, and vegetables. Nearby, others set up the White Elephant stall, offering clothes, household goods, books, toys, plants, and more at low prices. And preparations begin for the café.

At 11am, the Tuckerbox sign-in opens. Tuckerbox is a subsidised supermarket helping 80–150 households each week—young families, retirees, and anyone in need. Customers register and then wait until 1pm when names are called so they can shop for essentials. Afterward, they can take some free fresh produce and bread.

While waiting, many relax in the garden or buildings, and from 11:30am to 3pm, Maggie’s Café offers hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and slices, and, in the colder months, a mug of soup. Whilst the café only asks for donations, most customers contribute to help cover costs. Maggie’s helps to build a strong sense of community through friendly conversations over a cuppa.

The Orange Sky van visits each week, providing free laundry services. Meanwhile, children enjoy the playground, and families come to borrow toys from Meg’s Toybox, a low-cost toy library also operating on Saturday afternoons.

Saturdays have become the heart of the church’s mission and community, welcoming all—regardless of faith. Volunteers come from both congregations and the wider community, including retirees, students, and jobseekers.

Whilst Sunday worship services are an important part of the week, Saturday’s have become the heart of what we do and how we live our lives as followers of the God who loves everyone and has compassion for all.

Julie Connah, Pastor, St Margaret's Uniting Church