CHRISTMAS is a time for giving. The scene in the back rooms of the St Vincent de Paul’s op shop testifies to the generosity of locals who want to make the season a bit brighter for local families this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Friday, two truckloads of bags were delivered, filled to the brim with food for the more than 100 Christmas hampers that Vinnie’s volunteers are preparing for pick-up next week.
Inverell St Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart conference member, Lorraine Brown is organising the hamper assembly with a team of volunteers.
“I think there’s a greater need, because a lot of the clients are new ones. For somebody to be entitled to a hamper,” Lorraine said. “We actually have to assess that they are needy, so I think there’s definitely a need.”
McLean Care community service co-ordinators, Elaine Brown and Kerry Hocking delivered 30 bags, topped up with food accumulated from McLean staff and management donations.
Holy Trinity showered the rooms with donations after McLean’s visit with boxes, bags and laundry baskets overflowing with food.
Year 10 student, Georgia Fraser is the designated St Vincent de Paul president for the school, and felt the whole school was behind the cause.
“We’ve had heaps of support; we’ve done all sorts of things this year. I really thought they got into it this year. It’s been fun,” she said.
“It’s just really nice to think that you’re doing this for someone else. That you’re making someone’s Christmas.”
Though hampers will be ready for delivery or collection today, Lorraine said they will not turn away any food or toy donations through Christmas. She keeps a back-up supply for those in need at the last minute.
“Even though the shop closes here on the 19th, we have people ringing here over Christmas and want food, ‘cause they’ll just realise Christmas Eve they’ve got nothing,” she said. If you would like to donate to the appeal, food or toys can be delivered to the Oliver Street shop during business hours.