Generous Queenslanders are being called upon to donate toys to fill the stockings and place under the trees of over 9,500 children living in care this Christmas.
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said the national online charity GIVIT is again supporting the Queensland Government's annual Kids in Care Christmas Gift Donation Drive.
"Our foster and kinship carers do a wonderful job making sure that children in care feel safe and loved in a family environment," she said.
"They make sure that children placed with them have everything they need all year round, as well as something special under the family Christmas tree during the holiday season.
"The Kids in Care gift drive is a way for the rest of the community to show they also care by providing an extra gift just for them."
For this coming Christmas season, GIVIT is aiming to collect and gift items for over 9,500 children from Cape York out to Mt Isa, down to Coolangatta and Stanthorpe, and everywhere in between.
GIVIT's CEO Sarah Tennant said the 2019 Gift Donation Drive is a chance for big-hearted Queenslanders to spread Christmas cheer to children living in care, from newborns to 17-year-olds, across the state.
"While Christmas for many is a time of celebration, it can also be a difficult time of year for children and young people who can't live with their own," said Ms Tennant.
"For as little as a $20 donation you can make a child or teenager feel special and know they're being thought of this Christmas. Gift ideas include toys, gift cards, sporting equipment, board games, books or clothes for babies to teenagers.
"I urge anyone who is able to give to consider dropping an extra toy or a gift card into your trolley when you're shopping for your own family and then donate it online.
"You can also make a cash donation which allows GIVIT to buy toys and Christmas gifts locally, supporting local businesses."
To donate to the statewide 2019 Gift Donation Drive, simply purchase a new, unwrapped gift, a gift card or make a tax-deductible cash donation at givit.org.au/kidsincare.
Gifts can be delivered to child safety service centres across Queensland until Friday 6 December 2019. For gift ideas or to find your nearest service centre, go to www.qld.gov.au/bringasmiletoachild
GIVIT's online platform removes the need for government, councils and charities to physically collect, sort and store donations, greatly reducing the administrative and financial burden as well as saving valuable resources for critical recovery activities.
