Police are appealing for help from the community to support sick children this Christmas.
Murray River Police District today (Monday 2 December 2019) launched the 2019 Christmas Appeal in conjunction with Albury Wodonga Health.
Police are asking members of the community to dig deep and donate toys and other items to the Children's Ward at Albury Hospital.
Donated items will be given to patients on Christmas Day. Any remaining gifts will be saved to donate to children throughout the year and brighten up the day of any child who might be going through a hard time.
Murray River Police District Acting Inspector Troy Martin was joined by Paediatric Ward Nursing Unit Manager Sam Peet at Albury Hospital earlier today (Monday 2 December 2019) to launch the appeal.
Acting Inspector Martin said the appeal is a great opportunity for local police to work together with health services to support kids in need.
"Christmas is a time for people to come together, and if we can brighten the day of sick children then I think it's a job well done," Acting Inspector Martin said.
"Our officers will be there on Christmas Day to show support for children who are going through a hard time, and we encourage the community to get involved and help out by providing small gifts."
Nursing Unit Manager Sam Peet said the hospital is pleased to partner with NSW Police in this initiative.
"While our aim is to have those children who are well enough return home to their families for Christmas Day, this is not always possible. This initiative will ring joy to the children in our care on Christmas Day."
Gifts can be donated up until Christmas Eve at Albury Police Station and will be presented to children in the ward by police officers on Christmas Day.
Suggested gifts include travel or memory games, card packs, Mini LOL dolls, small lego packs, craft packs- aeroplanes, friendship bands, decorations, colouring in packs and pencils, soccer or basketballs, playdough, activity books, sticker books, mindfulness colouring books, Lynx packs for teenagers, $20 ITunes vouchers or movie tickets.
The hospital has requested that any gift be left unwrapped to allow for the most age-appropriate and suitable gift to be given out to each child.
