Christmas is on the horizon and Giving Trees for A Better Life for Foster Kids are once again appearing right across Gippsland ready to collect gifts for children in out-of-home care who might otherwise miss out this festive season.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said that early donations are vital to ensure every child receives a special gift in time.
“It takes an incredible amount of work from Heather Baird and her team at A Better Life for Foster Kids to sort, wrap and deliver gifts right across Victoria,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Many gifts are delivered personally, but others must be posted, so the earlier we receive donations, the better chance they have of reaching every child.”
Mr O’Brien said this year’s appeal carries extra significance, following a senseless ram raid on a Sale shopfront earlier this year that destroyed much of the charity’s stock of Christmas presents.
“It was heartbreaking to see such generosity from the community wiped out in an instant.
“But Gippslanders always rally and I know people will dig deep again to help Heather and her team restock and make sure no child misses out.”
All gifts are requested to be donated unwrapped. Supporters are also asked to avoid donating books, food items or toys that resemble weapons.
“Some popular and much-loved gift ideas include board games, arts and crafts, imaginative play items, beach towels, toiletry packs or gift cards,” Mr O’Brien said.
“A Better Life for Foster Kids will also warmly accept donations of wrapping paper.”
Donations can be dropped off at a number of Giving Trees across Gippsland including on at Danny O’Brien’s office, located at 54B Cunninghame Street, Sale, or posted directly to:
A Better Life for Foster Kids
PO Box 1138
Sale VIC 3850
PO Box 1138
Sale VIC 3850
“Every gift helps bring a smile to a child who might otherwise go without.
“It’s a simple way to share the Christmas spirit and show local kids they’re cared for.”