Tis the season to give

MULLUMBIMBY District Neighbourhood Centre is appealing for donations to help people in need this Christmas.

The items it is seeking include unwrapped toys, in date canned and/or festive food, table decorations, soft drinks, desserts, wrapping paper, a surprise unwrapped gift for an adult or child (any gender), and gift cards.

The Centre gifted 347 hampers last Christmas and targeted early intervention manager Kate Tweedie said she is expecting it will be a similar number this year.

“Last year we still very much had that feeling of a community in recovery,” she said. “This year people still aren’t quite there and the cost-of-living is really coming into play these days as well.

“I feel for families doing it tough around Christmas time because there’s so much emphasis on family and joy and if you’re already struggling it can make it that little bit more depressing.”

Ms Tweedie said donations of gift cards are strongly encouraged because they allow the dignity of choice.

“They are especially handy for older kids,” she said. “The age group for toys tends to be eight and under.”

Ms Tweedie said the community response had been fantastic.

“We have a few partners who reach out and donate every year, including one of the classes at Shearwater, The Mullumbimby Steiner School,” she said. “I love it because it’s getting kids involved and teaching them about giving back to the community from a young age.

“Amrita Pantry Byron Bay and the Anglican Church also donate and Ray White Byron Bay reached out to us this year and they’re doing a drive on gift cards. It’s great because they can reach a different audience than we can.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Gulganii Community Pantry at 3 Bridgeland Lane, between Mullumbimby Hire & Sales and Kiva Spa, until December 16.