THE Bathurst branch of the Salvation Army hopes to make Christmas a little bit brighter for local families.
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Instead of offering food hampers, the charity will assemble toy hampers that parents can select for their children for Christmas.
Matt Robinson, a coordinator of the project, said the Salvos already had some toys, but needed the community to help find more to put in the hampers.
“If people are willing to donate toys, we really need older-age ones, so 12 and up,” he said. “The best thing for 12 and up is gift cards, because it is a bit hard to buy toys for that age group.”
Any products that are donated must be new, sealed and not already gift wrapped.
Toys can be brought to the Salvation Army Family Store in Keppel Street, or people can wait for the Christmas Appeal Toy Run.
The Bathurst and District Hobos and Panorama Motorcycle clubs will stop at various venues on December 8 to collect toys.
The collection points are as follows:
- Start – Bathurst Showground (9am for a 9.45am start)
- Bridge Hotel, Perthville – approx. 10am.
- Neville Hotel – approx. 11am
- Royal Hotel Mandurama – approx. 11.45am
- Royal Hotel Carcoar – approx. 12.15pm
- Blayney Bowling Club, Blayney – approx. 1pm
- End – Salvation Army Bathurst, Stewart Street (2.30pm to 2.45pm)
The Salvos will start giving away hampers from December 10, with people in need able to come in for a chat and then select the appropriate toys for their children.
Mr Robinson said helping families, particularly around Christmas, was something the Salvos were proud to do.
“It’s very important, that’s what we do and what we are here for,” he said.
“We are here to support the community.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about donating or who is interested in receiving a hamper can call Mr Robinson on 0431 164 923.
He is also after volunteers to help at gift wrapping stalls in the shopping centres.