Brighter Futures' xmas looking up

NORTHERN RIVERS locals have taken on the role of Santa and "opened their hearts" in an unprecedented act of kindness.

NORTHERN RIVERS locals have taken on the role of Santa and ‘opened their hearts’ in an unprecedented act of kindness.

Businesses, residents and MPs have brightened the Christmas of many disadvantaged people across the region by donating huge amounts of gifts to their adopted families.

The Northern Star’s annual Adopt-A-Family appeal encourages people to ‘adopt’ a family during the Christmas period by donating gifts to those who struggle to find the cheer in this often expensive time.

Organisations like Brighter Futures are one of many success stories who have been overwhelmed by the community’s kindness.

“After the program was first advertised in the paper, within four days all of our families up for adoption had been adopted,” Brighter Futures family development officer Wendy King said.

“These families are in need this time of year and they can’t all rely on community organisations.

“It has been so positive and the families are just ecstatic with the response.”

And locals are the only ones to thank for the success.

The program has drastically improved from last year and Ms King hopes to offer more families for adoption next year.

More than threequarters of families in the program have been adopted but Byron Community Centre, Lismore Soup Kitchen and Community Connections North Coast all still have families in need of donations.

To become involved contact any of the above mentioned organisations.

Originally published as Brighter Futures' xmas looking up