19 November 2018

It’s that time of year again - Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the local community to donate for the Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal.

Council’s community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal focuses on the collection of food and toys for distribution by the Salvation Army to local individuals and families who are facing tough times over the Christmas period.

In addition to the Appeal, the Library is once again hosting its ‘Food for Fines’ initiative, where Library members can donate a non-perishable food item to the value of any Library fine they may have accumulated. For the first time, this year Council will also be running an ‘Adopt a Farming Family’ appeal encouraging residents to provide extra support to a local farming family in need.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal initiative is now in its fourth year and has provided hope to many in that time.

“Each year we receive more and more items, proving once again what an extremely compassionate and generous community we have,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The appeal provides a great way for all of us to reach out and help others, at what is such a special time of year. This year we have decided to also encourage local residents to support our farming families who are going through tough times.”

In a year that has been particularly difficult with the drought, Cr Chaffey said the Salvation Army is a beacon of help to many.

“The Appeal will complement the wonderful work of the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during what is their busiest time of the year, and even more so now resources are stretched from drought-affected families,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to get involved, however they can, and support those in need this Christmas.”

Residents can give to a child and family in need this Christmas, by placing an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item under one of the Christmas trees located at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building (63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah) or Gunnedah Shire Library (291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah).

For health and hygiene reasons, pre-loved toys cannot be accepted and only in-date canned and/or non-perishable food items are encouraged for donation. The final collection date at both locations will be Friday, 14 December 2018.

For more information or to register to ‘Adopt a Farming Family’, contact Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: The Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal is now in its fourth year and was launched today by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton, and Salvation Army’s Major Gaye Day and Captain Richard Day.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.