But unfortunately, some local children are not blessed with the same luxury of receiving presents on Christmas Day.

However 2NZ and GemFM have teamed with the Rural Financial Counselling Service and the Inverell and Glen Innes Homelessness Support Service to change that.

Last Monday, the team launched their third toy and book drive accepting unwrapped, new and newly made items to help those doing extra tough this year.

2NZ presenter James Monte Irvin said toys and books could be dropped to the station on Byron Street or to The Dust Jacket from now until December 19. 

“We recognise this time of year is usually fun-filled for families. We also know farmers have been doing it tough and children in crisis accommodation don’t necessarily share the same feeling of joy and fun at this time of year,” he said.

As a social responsibility as the voice of the New England, 2NZ and GemFM are encouraging listeners, and readers of The Inverell Times, to purchase or craft a toy or book for the drive.

“We are making sure these new toys and books stay 100 per cent local. All items donated will go to children who might otherwise go without this Christmas.”

Monte said although the patchy rain was nice, it either came at the wrong time or was simply not enough to financially assist local farmers.

“We want to do something so those kids also have something for Christmas. We recognise that we have a social responsibility as the voice of the New England and we are really looking forward to fulfilling that,” he said.

Monte said any donation, big or small, would make a difference to a local child’s life come December 25 this year.