CAPTION: Getting into the spirit of giving... (L to R) Karl Hofman from South Coast Floor Coverings, Rhonda Maher from St Vincent de Paul, Christie Crowley and Leanne Kennedy from Anglicare Wollongong with a few of the donations collected for the City of Wollongong Giving Tree appeal.
It's not too late to give the gift of Christmas to a child and family in need this holiday season.
The Wollongong City Council Giving Tree appeal is open for online donation up until Saturday 19 December, with all online donations received will be distributed to our communities in need, via Anglicare and St Vincent de Paul Society to assist in the purchasing of food and gifts.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that the Giving Tree and the Bikers' Toy Run were an important Wollongong tradition that gave back to those in need for Christmas.
"This year has been a difficult one for all of us and sadly there are too many families and children that go without presents during Christmas. By giving a little to the Giving Tree appeal you can bring a piece of Christmas magic and fun to a local child's life."
"We're doing things a little differently this year due to COVID-19. All of the physical toys that have already been donated are in 'toy' quarantine before being passed on to Anglicare and St Vincent de Paul Society."
Although present collection locations are now closed to physical donations, community members can still make an online donation to the City's Giving Tree Appeal. You can make an online donation directly by visiting the Wollongong City Council website.
"Although we've already received hundreds of donations, with disruptions from COVID-19 restrictions we haven't yet collected our target number of gifts and donations. The good news is that there's still time to make an online donation and it's simple to do," said Cr Bradbery.
"Your donated funds will be used to meet the shortfall in the quantity of gifts received as well as make sure there's something suitable for every age group. Online donations will also be used to pay for Christmas dinner for families in need."
"It doesn't take much to bring joy to a child in need. I encourage everyone to consider making an online donation so that we can make sure every child in our community can wake up to something special on Christmas morning."
Online donations will be collected until Saturday 19 December 2020. Online donations to the City of Wollongong Giving Tree appeal can be made via Council's website.
