The Nationals Member for Eastern Victorian Region, Melina Bath is encouraging Gippslanders to support donations of Christmas toys and gifts for local charities.
All donations received will be gifted to children in need in the local community.
Ms Bath is working alongside two Gippsland charities to help ramp up efforts for donations of Christmas toys and gifts for children aged 0 -18 years in Gippsland.
Ms Bath’s office in the main street of Traralgon, is a designated Christmas donation ‘drop off’ for both the Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run and A Better Life for Foster Kids who support disadvantaged children at Christmas time.
“Gifts are needed for children from birth through to 18 years and I am asking locals to share in the spirit of giving, by donating a gift, large or small to my office.
“There is no need to wrap the present, we just require a wide range of gifts donated – items can include sporting equipment, pyjamas, books, toys, puzzles, craft activities or gift cards.
“On behalf of the two charities – the challenge is to fill my front window with children’s gifts so the spirit of Christmas can be delivered to as many vulnerable children as possible.”
Ms Bath said both the Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run and A Better Life for Foster Kids were exemplary charities, campaigning over many years to make a difference in the lives of Gippsland children.
“These much-loved local charities have for years delivered Christmas spirit, hope and love in the form of toys, craft activities, books and vouchers to children,” said Ms Bath.
“The tireless work of charities, combined with our incredibly generous local community ensures the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Gippsland.”
Ms Bath said any gift, big or small would be welcomed – there are many local children in need with demand often outstripping supply – the aim is to embrace the spirit of giving and ensure as many children as possible receive a gift to unwrap this Christmas.
“I have kicked start our local campaign donating books, toys, craft and pyjamas and I’m now encouraging locals to get behind it and drop off the donations over the coming week”, said Ms Bath.
“My annual Christmas window in my electorate office is decorated for the festive season – all it needs is to be filled with donated gifts so our local charities can support local children experiencing disadvantage.”
All donations can be dropped into Melina Bath MP’s office located at 181 Franklin Street in Traralgon opposite Traralgon Centre Plaza, Monday – Friday between the hours of 9AM – 5PM. Toys for the Toy Run close Friday 3rd December, while Donations for a Better Life for Foster Kids will continue until Friday 17 December 2021.
