Salvos bring Christmas cheer

MORE than 130 Noosa families are expected to benefit from the Salvation Army Christmas appeal this year, with organisers calling on locals to donate now to help meet demand.
Lieutenants David and Lara Sutcliff said residents could donate gifts and food items now to help create the hampers they would then hand out to families in need this Christmas season.
“Families have already come to us for help,” Ms Sutcliff said.
“What we need the most are presents for teenagers and Dads. We always struggle to find presents for these age groups.”
Some present ideas for children aged 10 to 18 include board games, skate boards and scooters, cameras, camping equipment and body boards, but Ms Sutcliff said the easiest option was a gift card.
“Gift vouchers are a great idea because of their flexibility,” she said.
All donated toys can be either brand new or second hand.
“Sadly, the gift donated may be the only present a child receives this Christmas, so we try our best to ensure each child receives a gift that is ‘brand new’,” Ms Sutcliff said.
“We know Christmas isn’t only about receiving gifts, but this is one way we can help families feel special at Christmas and enjoy its wonders, just like everybody else.”
Ms Sutcliff said second hand toys were also welcome and could be dropped off to be added to a table where parents could choose an extra special gift.
Food items are also welcome and Ms Sutcliff urged residents to think of items that people might not be able to buy if they are doing it tough, such as brand name products.
Christmas puddings, Christmas cakes, bon bons, cakes mixes, sweet biscuits, tinned fish, bath towels and toiletry items are all great items to donate.
All donations can be dropped to the Noosa Salvation Army centre at 6 Bartlett Street, Noosaville, with donations accepted right up until December. Phone the Salvation Army on 5442 4218 for more information.