Doing it tough this Christmas

Thank you: Greg and Sue Storey from Jasnor Australia with just a few of the plush toys they donated to the Noosa Today Chirstmas Cheer Campaign. This is the second year they have kindly donated to the cause.

By JOLENE OGLE

MORE Noosa families are asking for help to make it through this Christmas season, according to the Salvation Army Noosa.
Lieutenant David Sutcliffe said for many it was their first time seeking help from the Salvation Army, with many families walking-in to the Salvation Army to ask for assistance.
“There has been an increase in need,” he said.
“Lots of people have lost their jobs or they’ve had to move at short notice.”
Lieutenant Lara Sutcliffe said the cost of living was a major factor for those needing assistance with basics such as food, with many single- parent families reporting rents as high as $650 per week.
“The rent is too high. Often, there is no money left after the rent is paid,” she said.
This year, the Salvation Army Noosa will assist over 100 families and more than 90 single people who have been nominated or listed to receive a Christmas hamper through the Salvation Army Adopt-a-Family appeal.
Lieutenant David said there had also been more single fathers asking for help than ever before.
Local businesses, Noosa Council, local schools and community members have all come on board to help those doing it tough, donating long-life food items, gifts and clothing to the Salvation Army Noosa.
The Noosa Today Christmas Cheer Campaign also collected items for the Salvation Army appeal, which were donated this week.
Noosa Today would like to thank the generous Noosa community for helping make a significant donation to such a worthy cause.
Donations for the Noosa Today Christmas Cheer Campaign can still be accepted. Simply drop any donations into the Noosa Today office at 36 Mary Street, Noosaville, by Wednesday 17 December, for donation to United Synergies.