Community members will soon be able to spread Christmas cheer with the Paeroa Baptist Church’s annual Community Christmas Toy Appeal set to kick off next week.
Between November 24 and December 5, people of Paeroa are invited to share some Christmas cheer for families and children, who might otherwise miss out, by donating and placing a gift under the tree at one of three drop-off points in town: the Paeroa Library, the Hauraki Bike Hire/Paeroa Information Hub or Paeroa Pigeon Post.
Organiser Jill Robertson told The Profile the aim of the toy appeal was to make sure families and children who might miss out at Christmas time would get to “experience the joy of Christmas” as well.
While Jill said her and the team of helpers were in charge of co-ordinating it all – “it’s always been a community event”.
“Doing this is good because it keeps me busy, keeps me focused, keeps me into something that I’m passionate about,” she said.
“We have contacts with the schools and the agencies that may be able to tap into the families [in need]… It’s nice that the community just continues to support it.
“We’re looking forward to working together with the community to bring this to the families that need it.”
All donated gifts need to be tucked underneath the trees by December 5, when a team of volunteers will collect and sort them for the wrapping day at the Paeroa Baptist Church on December 10.
“It’s been a tough year, I think, for everybody,” Jill said.
“But I think for families who struggle, Christmas is either, you know, a really joyful, blessed time, or it’s a very sad, horrible time,” Jill said.
“We just want to make it as joyful as possible, especially for these kids and these families.”
DETAILS: Donated gifts need to be new or in excellent condition, and donations of wrapping paper are also appreciated. Gift drop-off is at the Paeroa Library at 5 Mackay St; the Hauraki Bike Hire/Paeroa Information Hub at 6 Wharf St; or Paeroa Pigeon Post at 64A Belmont St. Place unwrapped gifts under the Christmas tree by December 5. Fore more information or to make enquiries, contact Jill Robertson, Ph 027 414 4853 or email paeroabapchurch@gmail.com. To help wrap gifts on December 10, visit the Paeroa Baptist Church, 2 Wood St, from 9am.
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
