Tinsel decorated trolleys wheeled through the halls of a Traralgon shopping centre last week to be filled with toys for disadvantaged children, while carollers serenaded patrons outside in hope of extra donations to be placed under the Christmas tree.
Anglicare Victoria joined forces with Stockland Plaza Traralgon in a bid to secure presents for families and children in their programs.
Anglicare Victoria Gippsland regional director Jane Anderson said families who regularly received their services needed help during the holiday season.
“So far we’ve handed out hampers to 250 families and toys to 650 kids,” Ms Anderson said.
“It’s concerning that we have so many people in our community that aren’t able to afford the basic necessities of life.”
Two trolleys were filled on the day with an estimate of about 100 presents donated from employees and shops in the centre.
Though the appeal was mainly run last Thursday, Ms Anderson urged anyone interested in donating to leave unwrapped presents or non-perishable foods at the Anglicare office at 65 Church Street, Morwell.
