Cobram Community House has labelled 2022’s Cobram Community House Christmas Gift Appeal a success and paid tribute to all those who helped brighten the lives of kids this Christmas.
Bendigo Bank Cobram was one of the drop-off points for people who wanted to donate gifts.
Bendigo Bank personal banker Lizette Mezenberg said the Cobram branch’s involvement in the appeal was just an extension of the bank’s mission to serve the community, and the staff members were eager to take part.
The Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre was also used as a drop-off point for toys, and centre co-ordinator Tim Dooling said the generosity shown was a testament to the local community.
“This is the second year we have participated in being a collection point. I was amazed at the community spirit to help those who are in need,” Mr Dooling said.
Cobram Anglican Grammar School teacher Dean Barnes initiated a casual clothes day with the help of his Year 9/10 class. This led to $346.80 being raised for the appeal.
The Bluebird Cobram Kindergarten and Katamatite Kindergarten also got in on the Christmas spirit, with toys aplenty coming in.
Katamatite Kindergarten teacher Jacquie Monk said the kindergarten’s involvement was simply a case of putting into practice the values staff taught the children.
“The Cobram Community House reached out to local organisations,” Mrs Monk said.
“At the kinder, we have amazing families and we have been talking to the children about generosity around Christmas time and the importance of looking out for those less fortunate.”
At St Joseph’s Primary School, staff donated gifts to the appeal in lieu of doing their own internal Kris Kringle.
Cobram Cinema, Cobram Cancer Support Group, Uniting Church and Cobram Barooga Soroptimist also supported the appeal.
Cobram Community House manager Christine Osborne said the gifts would brighten the day for 150 children this Christmas.
“The Cobram Community House is always seeking to help the community,” Mrs Osborne said.
“We were overwhelmed and grateful for all the community support. It’s wonderful to live in a community with such generous people.”