Tara Murray
Whittlesea council and Whittlesea Emergency Relief Network are working together this Christmas to give hope and cheer to local families facing hardship.
After a year that has been like no other with heavy financial and emotional impacts, some residents in Whittlesea need more help than ever.
The council and the relief network are collecting donations of food and toys through the Whittlesea library toy and food appeal, that will be shared with local emergency relief services to provide Christmas food and toy hampers.
Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said some families may find it difficult to find funds for food over the Christmas period and presents.
“This year has been like no other, and the kindness of strangers and people who can give generously is one of the ways to support each other when times are tough,” Mr Lloyd said.
“We encourage anybody that can give to this local food and toy drive to please do so.”
Whittlesea Emergency Relief Network chair and Whittlesea Community Connections emergency relief co-ordinator Ginette Beguely said toys and gifts were the focus of this year’s appeal.
“We are particularly encouraging gifts that would suit older children aged 10 to 17 years – things like gift cards or movie vouchers,” she said.
“Our community does like to give and is usually extra generous at this time of year and that is very much appreciated. However, COVID-19 has impacted the whole community.
“Thinking about kids without adequate food or a present to wake up to on Christmas morning is a heartbreaking thought.
“If you can donate, it could mean a brighter Christmas for someone living in our community.”
Non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys (with the exception of soft or fluffy toys due to COVID-19 restrictions) and gifts can be dropped off at Yarra Plenty Regional Library branches in Whittlesea, Lalor, Thomastown, and Mill Park until Monday, December 14.
Parker’s Auto Plus in Whittlesea township and Commonwealth Bank branches in the City of Whittlesea are also accepting toy donations.
