Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison has launched her annual Christmas Toy Drive to ensure children in need have a great Christmas.
The gifts collected as part of this year’s Toy Drive will be donated to the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre and will support the Centre’s annual Christmas Hamper Collection.
“Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for families in need, especially for the children who may go without,” Ms Aitchison said.
The Maitland Neighbourhood Centre is often the first point of call for the many families and individuals in our community who seek assistance throughout the year.
"I thank the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre for the work they do all year, but particularly at this time of year,” Ms Aitchison said. “I’m looking forward to seeing our community get behind the Toy Drive and share the generous and giving Maitland spirit with parents and children who need some extra help this Christmas.”
Unwrapped presents can be dropped off to Ms Aitchison’s electorate office at 2/12 Elgin Street Maitland during business hours from now until 17 December for inclusion in the hampers.
All toys will be distributed to local children in need and will ensure they don’t miss out on the excitement of Christmas.
Ms Jenny Fullford, of Maitland Neighbourhood Centre, said that the service was experiencing great demand.
“Over a year we may see 15,000 families through our services,” Ms Fullford said. “With the demands of rent and utilities, people are really struggling.
“We aim to do what we can to ease their burden - to put food on their tables and a smile on their children’s faces. Just a small donation can make a huge difference.”
