ONCE again, Heathcote residents have opened their hearts and wallets to donate food, toys, and money to families doing it tough this Christmas.<\/p>\n
Volunteers at Heathcote Vinnies have said they are amazed at how much has been donated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is wonderful to see such genuine concern for needy people,\u201d said volunteer Maryann Chrisp. \u201cThe kindness shown will make a big difference this Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocals have been leaving gifts at Ray White and Todd Real Estate agents over the past weeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth the primary schools collected toys and food, and Mandalay Resources are always generous donors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is one woman with limited mobility who saves her money and takes it in to Ray White a couple of times a year. She has donated $500.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd there is an elderly man who makes wooden toys to donate. He starts again every year on Boxing Day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Items of food and vouchers were made into hampers to help families, who will also be able to choose a toy for each child.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe donation we received from Mandalay went towards special vouchers for teenagers and adolescents,\u201d said Ms Chrisp. \u201cSo they were not left out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe hampers and gifts were distributed at a barbecue for clients on Wednesday after more generous donations from Gaffney\u2019s Bakery and IGA.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are 11 active volunteers at Vinnies who are available to help clients on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12.30pm.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe work as a good team,\u201d said Ms Chrisp, \u201cAnd are always grateful to the community for helping us help others.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ONCE again, Heathcote residents have opened their hearts and wallets to donate food, toys, and money to families doing it tough this Christmas. Volunteers at Heathcote Vinnies have said they are amazed at how much has been donated. \u201cIt is wonderful to see such genuine concern for needy people,\u201d said volunteer Maryann Chrisp. \u201cThe kindness […]<\/p>\n