This year could be the biggest Upper Hunter Food and Toy Appeal yet.
“Last year saw us supporting 404 families, and you can imagine when we say a family, that could be as simple as one or two people, or up to eight to 10 people per family, so it’s quite a substantial amount of people that we supported,” De-anne Douglas, who organises the Appeal said.
“That doesn’t include that we do three aged care units as well, that doesn’t include the compassion hampers.”
They are currently asking for donations of gifts for all ages, from newborn babies right through to elderly individuals as well as non-perishable food items and things to provide some festive feel like Christmas crackers.
If you are not sure what to buy, gift vouchers from local businesses are greatly appreciated so volunteers can purchase items as they are needed during the packing process.
From Monday December 9 through to Monday December 23 volunteers will be wrapping presents at the Muswellbrook Marketplace with proceeds going towards the Appeal as well, if you have some time to spare during this period extra hands are always appreciated to wrap as many gifts as possible.
In addition to the hampers, De-anne also brings together a free Christmas Day lunch for anyone who is struggling or isolated.
“Last year we had 76 people come for our Christmas Day lunch which is held at the Senior Citizens Hall from 12 o’clock till 2 o’clock,” she said.
“Nobody should be on their own on Christmas Day, Christmas Day can be quite an emotional day and this is about the community coming together and having lunch together.
“If anybody wants to pop down on Christmas Day they’re more than welcome to come down, bring their family, come on their own, whatever suits them.”
Donations for the Upper Hunter Food and Toy Appeal can be left at the Muswellbrook Marketplace, Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Livmedia, Supply Solutions Group and any branch of the Regional Australia Bank.
If you would like to volunteer some time to help with gift wrapping during December, contact De-anne on 6543 0246.
For more information on receiving support this Christmas, stop in to the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council at 19 Maitland Road Muswellbrook.
