Uniting Vic.Tas has appealed for Wyndham residents to support Operation Santa.
Uniting Vic.Tas, which runs Uniting Wyndham in Werribee, holds the campaign every year to provide Christmas gifts to community members who are doing it tough.
Most years, Uniting invites disadvantaged local families to attend a special celebration and choose from a selection of new toys and gifts donated by the community.
Uniting Vic.Tas volunteer programs co-ordinator Shelley Johnston said that being able to present toys to children at Christmas was one of the highlights of the year.
But she said that for this year’s Operation Santa, Uniting Vic.Tas has decided it will be safer to assist families with e-gift vouchers rather than toy donations.
Ms Johnston said that due to COVID-19, Uniting Wyndham was expecting more families than ever to seek emergency assistance this Christmas.
“The impact of job losses and the extended lockdown has stretched many family budgets to breaking point,” Ms Johnston said.
“Whether it’s the rent, gas, electricity or water or putting food in the table and fuel in the car, we know people are really struggling.”
Ms Johnston said she hoped the Wyndham community would get behind this year’s Operation Santa fundraising efforts.
“We hope you, your group, school, workplace or family can support Operation Santa Wyndham and help us make sure there are gifts under every Christmas tree in our community,” she said.
To support Operation Santa donate via the GoFundMe page (search ‘Gifts for Families Uniting Wyndham’) or host your own fundraising event. Details: giftsforfamiliesunitingwyndham.gofundraise.com.au/
