Novocastrians are being asked to share the Christmas spirit with those in need by donating a gift to the Salvos Christmas Toy Drive.
Organised by the Salvation Army and supported by the Newcastle Permanent, the annual Salvos Christmas Toy Drive is in full swing and already accepting donations.
Newcastle mum Sara Goodridge was facing bills, the expense of living and the prospect of not having a present for her six-year-old son Jace last Christmas.
Goodridge felt overwhelmingly relieved when the Salvos arrived with a food card, as well as a toy toolkit and book for Jace.
“If it weren’t for the Salvos, I wouldn’t have had a Christmas with my son,” Goodridge said.
“To see Jace’s eyes light up and his big smile as he opened his presents made for a special Christmas.”
Salvation Army Auxiliary-Lieutenant Tracy Iles said COVID-19 job and income losses meant there were more children this year who wouldn’t have presents to open on Christmas Day.
“A surprise gift under the Christmas tree will bring a smile to a young person as well as to a parent or carer who is unable to afford gifts this year,” Iles said.
“Last year, the Salvos gave 26,000 gifts and toys to families in need of a hand, and we are ambitiously looking to help more families this year.
“If you are able, please add a Salvos Toy Drive gift to your Christmas shopping list and drop it in to a Newcastle Permanent branch.”
This year’s first toy drive donation came from Newcastle Permanent CEO Bernadette Inglis. She said the Newcastle Permanent had supported the toy drive for the past 33 years.
“As a parent, I know the joy of your child receiving a gift on Christmas morning,” Inglis said.
“In our many years of partnership with the Salvation Army, we’ve been humbled to help thousands of local families experience that joy, with presents under trees that otherwise may have been bare.
“We’re encouraging our people to donate, and they’ll also be volunteering to help the Salvos to sort and distribute the gifts.”
Those in the community wanting to donate can drop off their gifts to any Newcastle Permanent branch until Monday, December 20, 2021.
Gift ideas include toys, clothing, books, sporting equipment, games, beauty products, fashion accessories and gift vouchers. Gifts should be new and unwrapped.
Information source: Media release, Newcastle Permanent