Elf Squad gears up for fifth Christmas

GEELONG’S army of elves is collecting presents and undertaking final preparations for Christmas Day in the fifth year of a community gift-giving initiative.

Local charity Elf Squad gathers, wraps and distributes presents and cards for Geelong families that would otherwise go without on Christmas morning.

Elf Squad Inc. is collecting new and unwrapped gifts for young people aged up to 21 at drop-off points across the Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine regions.

The organisation also collects tax-deductible cash donations for residents who would prefer to leave the shopping to the elves.

Elf Squad kicked off its Elf Factory at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce offices in Corio Street and is inviting local volunteers to help wrap gifts, paint wrapping paper and make cards to go out in time for the big day.

Elf Squad Inc. founder and chair Stephanie Beitzel said the organisation relied on community support to continue its important work for Geelong families in need.

“As a fully voluntary operation, the support shown to us by EnergyAustralia, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and countless others backers since day one has been awesome,” she said.

“Now that we’re coming into our fifth Christmas, it’s heartening to know we can continue to support our community in an enriching way.”

Elf Squad will continue wrapping and sending out gifts until next Thursday, December 23.