Christmas gifts at a Methodist Ladies College service
Children and teachers at Uniting Church schools are getting behind Connections UnitingCare’s Christmas Food and Gift Appeal.
Now in its 15th year, the appeal relies on the generosity of the community to donate non-perishable food and gifts, which are then provided to families facing an uncertain Christmas. Last year, the appeal provided more than 4,500 gifts and 500 hampers to people in need.
The Christmas Food and Gift Appeal works in conjunction with the UnitingCare and Target Christmas Appeal, which is running at all Target stores throughout Australia until Christmas Eve.
Kirrilee Torney, Connections UnitingCare’s Acting Manager of Community Relations, said the appeal will assist families and individuals facing significant hardship.
“For many of us, Christmas is a time of happiness where we create precious memories with our family and friends and share in the joy of giving,” Ms Torney said.
“Each year we are fortunate to have the support of various Uniting Church schools who donate food and gifts to the appeal.”
Year 7 and 8 students at Billanook College donated gifts as part of their community service program. In addition to this, the staff also hosted an end-of-year service on 10 December, where each teacher brought in a gift for the Christmas Appeal.
At Wesley College, the school is divided into junior, middle and senior schools. The Christmas coordinators at Connections attended the three services, which featured a Christmas concert, carols and a nativity play.
Methodist Ladies College incorporated gift-giving into their end-of-year chapel services. Each year level held their own service and lit the four advent candles to spread the message of hope, joy, love and peace.
Christmas gifts at Billanook College
“We are so grateful of the schools who partner with us each year to provide vital services assisting Australians in need,” Ms Torney said.
“Our appeal is an effective way the community can help disadvantaged families, individuals and young people. Donations are provided directly to those most in need and ensure everyone, particularly children, have a smile on their face on Christmas morning.”
Donations of non-perishable food and gifts can be dropped at various Connections UnitingCare offices, selected Target stores and a number of local government offices in Melbourne’s south-east. Click here for the list of drop off points.
For more information on how you can support Connections’ Christmas Food and Gift Appeal, click here or call 1800 137 036.
Comments are closed.