2NZ and Gem FM launched their annual Christmas Toy Drive live on air yesterday calling for unwrapped, new or newly made, books and toys.
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With one goal in mind, breakfast hosts Peter Mason and James 'Monte' Irvine want to make sure every child has presents under the tree this Christmas.
"This is the second toy drive Pete and I have been involved in. Last year was a massive success. Inverell and the wider listening area has shown how generous they are and how much community spirit there is.
"We'd love to see that kind of response this year, while understanding that everyone's doing it a little tougher than last," Monte said.
Those who'd like to support the cause are encouraged to purchase, or make by hand, any kind of toys or children's books and drop them to 167 Byron Street.
GLENRAC, in Glen Innes, has come on board this year as an addition drop off and distribution point to cater for the wider listening area.
The unwrapped donations will later be sorted into age groups for boys and girls, and with the help of Rural Outreach and the Inverell and Glen Innes Homelessness Support Service, distributed to those in need.
"We're focusing on farmers and farm kids and those who may be homeless or in shelters to donate these toys and books to this Christmas," Monte said.
Pete acknowledged drought conditions throughout the region have only worsened since the last Christmas toy drive.
"We want to make sure as many children as we can in the region have a great Christmas and get to experience the same as everyone else," he said.
Handmade toys, crafted with love, often have special Christmas spirit about them and may be a way residents can donate without the high costs of purchasing a brand new toy or book.
"Every little bit counts too. Maybe you can't afford to buy a Lego set to donate, but even a Matchbox car will help as a stocking stuffer. There is some really talented people in this town who could make some awesome toys," Pete said.
2NZ and Gem FM will be accepting donations until Friday, December 13. For more information, contact the office on 6722 2444.
The small but passionate team Monte, Pete, Dave and Tayla are excited to launch the toy drive and look forward to seeing the generosity of locals shine once again this year.
"We had so many donations last year that midway through we counted around 700 toys and books and then just lost count."
Businesses situated in smaller villages around the listening area who may like to act as collection point for toys are encouraged to contact the office to organise and promote the location.