Cobram Community House has started its Christmas fundraising campaign and is calling on community members to lend a helping hand.
The organisation is holding two appeals this year, the Children’s Gift Appeal and the Cheer Packs Appeal.
Community House chief executive Christine Osborne said the Uniting Church originally ran the gift appeal before handing it over to the community house in 2021.
As Christmas nears, the organisation is calling out for gifts for those aged 0 to 12.
Ms Osborne said the response was fantastic last year.
Gifts from last year’s appeal included colouring books, toy trucks and dolls.
The organisation is also creating cheer packs.
Like the traditional food packages made up by food-share organisations and charities, the cheer packs will be made up of Christmas treats.
“We knew that some families would find this year more challenging, so this year we are aiming to provide Christmas cheer packs,” Ms Osborne said.
“FoodShare can support families with food staples, and we thought we would like to create bags of Christmas treats to bring a little cheer to those doing it tough at Christmas.”
Ms Osborne said Christmas goodies such as soft drinks, chips, lollies, shortbread and chocolates would be perfect for the Christmas Cheer packs.
Christmas appeals have traditionally been well supported by community groups and members of the public, and Ms Osborne is asking the community to help brighten up the festive season for those struggling in the community.
“Our Community Christmas Appeal aims to create a brighter Christmas for people in our community experiencing hardship,” she said.
“We are calling on our community to support those doing it tough this festive season by donating toys or Christmas treats. The support by our community during this time of year will make a difference to those who need a helping hand and bring smiles to the faces of many children.
“We are grateful for the wonderful support of our community.”
CCH is taking donations of toys until Wednesday, December 6 and food for the Christmas cheer packs until Wednesday, December 13
People can donate by dropping gifts and goodies into Cobram Community House, Bendigo Bank, Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Haven Legal.
If anyone has any questions, contact Cobram Community House on 5872 2224.