Help add cheer to local children's Christmas

9 November, 2021

It’s time to open our hearts to the children in our community who might miss out this Christmas with the annual Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.

This is the seventh year Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army have joined forces for the appeal which helps bring joy to children on Christmas Day.

Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton said the Community Christmas Toy Appeal had brightened thousands of small faces over the years.

“This is such a simple way people can help others out,” Ms Hilton said. “All you have to do is take an unwrapped toy to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street office and put it under the tree, or drop it at Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street.

“A new toy on Christmas Day could make a wonderful difference to a child’s Christmas. Gunnedah Shire Council is very happy to partner with the Salvation Army, who know where gifts are needed the most, again this festive season.”

Salvation Army minister Lieutenant Marika Haupt said initiatives such as the Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Toy Appeal were very important at this time of year.

“The need is just as great this Christmas,” she said. “COVID-19 has had a big impact on our community and this appeal can help make Christmas cheerful.

“We are happy we can all work together in partnership for our community.” Toys for all ages of children and young people are welcome, but for hygiene reasons and due to COVID-19, pre-loved toys, pre-loved clothing and food donations cannot be accepted. If you can help out, please bring the unwrapped toys to:

Caption: (From left) Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton, Salvation Army minister Lieutenant Marika Haupt, Salvation Army Major Zane Haupt and Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett launch the Community Christmas Tree Appeal.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.