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    APPEAL: Uniting Wimmera’s Belinda Elliott and Con Vettos invite people to bring donations for a Gifts For Families Christmas appeal. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Uniting call for toy donations

Vulnerable Wimmera children are the target of a regional Gifts For Families Christmas appeal.

Donated toys and gifts people drop in at a Uniting Vic.Tas Baillie Street office in Horsham will go to disadvantaged families through a Salvation Army Christmas appeal.

Uniting Wimmera appeal co-ordinator Belinda Elliott said due to the impact of COVID-19, authorities were expecting more families than ever to seek emergency help.

“The impact of job losses and the extended lockdown has stretched many family budgets to breaking point,” she said.



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“While life as we know it stopped during lockdown, the bills didn’t. Whether it was rent, gas, electricity or water or putting food on the table and fuel in the car, we know people have been really struggling.

“Gifts For Families is one of the highlights of every year for us – and we’re determined that nobody will go without a gift this Christmas.”

Ms Elliott said for the appeal’s volunteers, putting smiles on the faces of families and providing gifts to deserving children and young people was rewarding.

“We hope you, your group, school, workplace or family can support Gifts For Families and help us make sure there are gifts under every Christmas tree in our community,” she said.

She said people could support Gifts For Families by taking un-gift-wrapped new toys to 185 Baillie Street, Horsham. 

She said people could find out more online at unitingvictas.org.au/local-christmas.

Uniting is a community health agency, providing services across Victoria and Tasmania. 

The entire December 8, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!