CASSANDRA and Matthew Jones rolled up their sleeves yesterday in a show of community spirit that typifies the festive season.
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They responded to the call for volunteers to help ensure the Christmas Miracle Appeal brightens local lives.
The enduring charity initiative is run by the Lions Club of Bathurst and 2BS.
All hands were on deck at Mount Panorama yesterday unpacking pallet after pallet of goodies destined for the estimated 1100 hampers to be distributed on Sunday.
Yesterday’s operation was like a well-oiled machine as a band of about 35 people assembled 42 items ready for the production line packing of the hampers tomorrow morning.
Cassandra said she took her son Matthew, 14, along to help out even though it’s his first day of school holidays.
“My husband is busy building our house and is looking after our daughter who has Down Syndrome, so they really couldn’t be here,” she said.
“Matthew’s a big enough kid these days that he can help out too. I heard they needed help getting the hampers ready, so we came along.
“I really wanted Matthew to know that Christmas is not just about getting presents. It’s a time for giving as well.”
Cassandra said they decided to help yesterday because most people would be at work and their help would be more beneficial.
“The hampers will be put together on Saturday morning and there should be plenty of people along to help with that,” she said.
Matthew said “every little bit helps”.
As usual, Councillor Bobby Bourke was in the pit complex lending a hand yesterday.
“We’re unpacking about 25 to 30 pallets ready for Saturday morning,” he said.
“All the goods have to come out of the boxes and be put in some type of order to make packing the hampers quick and easy.
“Each hamper will have 42 items and come Sunday morning we expect to deliver around 1100 to the local community.
“Packing starts at 8.30am on Saturday morning and should be well done by lunchtime. The Lions club will put on a barbecue for all the helpers, so if you can lend a hand, just turn up.”