Christmas Appeal spreads joy

Anglicare’s Christmas Appeal struck a chord in the lead-up to the festive season. Now the focus is on preparing children to return to school.

Donations were used to purchase food, toys and household items for clients around the State. Parish Community Development Worker Margaret Savage (pictured above) also distributed goods donated by churches, school and local businesses.

Tameeka Crawford, Children, Families and Young People Program Coordinator in the North West, said the community’s generosity was “amazing”.

“The families we supported with toys and other gifts are some of the most marginalised in our community,” she said. “They included parents who are working with Child Safety to have their children back in their care as well as families that have experienced family violence.”

Tameeka shared the following ‘thank you’ notes sent to her team:

Thank you so much for dropping those gifts! The girls will love them and you have no idea how much that has helped right now! Merry Christmas to all at Anglicare, I would be lost without the support I have had this year!

I really wanted to thank [Anglicare] for the generous donation for my three daughters, I really appreciate it. It made me cry.   

Back-to school

Preparing children for the new school year is also an expensive exercise for many families. Anglicare sets aside funds from the Christmas Appeal to cover costs such as new uniforms, backpacks, drink bottles, lunch boxes and stationery.

And don’t forget that the No Interest Loans Scheme is available if you need to purchase education essentials such as a laptop or a tablet, up to the value of $1500.