13 November 2019

This Christmas, it is more important than ever to share with those who are struggling.

Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army are again joining forces to bring a little bit of Christmas to those in need through the Community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal.

“Christmas is a time for giving, and there are people in our community who are having a tough time of it during the drought,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“This is a wonderful way people can give just a little that could make a big difference to families who are feeling the pinch. No one wants children to go without at Christmas.

“Last year, Gunnedah Shire residents and businesses donated more than 200 items, showing just how generous our community can be.

“This appeal adds to the wonderful work done by the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during the year.”

The 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.

The appeal is boosted by the annual Library “Food for Fines” initiative which invites library members who may have incurred library fines to instead donate a non-perishable food item to the value of the fine.

Residents can show support and 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 Customer Service Centre at 63 Elgin Street, or Gunnedah Shire Library at 291 Conadilly Street.

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. For easier identification and distribution, residents are asked not to wrap their items.

The final collection date at both locations will be Friday, December 13, 2019.

For more information about how you can get involved, contact Debra Hilton, 02 6740 2100.

Caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Librarian Christiane Birkett, Marika Wallis from the Salvation Army, and Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton with presents for the Christmas tree at Council’s Elgin Street offices.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100