Toowoomba residents donate thousands of items to youth charity Emerge through Christmas Appeal

Thousands of items were donated to youth charity Emerge’s Christmas appeal, which turned them into dozens of hampers for young people and their families.

Emerge participants (from left) Jess Palmer, Takyla Hiles, JaiChelle Bligh, Sherry McDowell and Tyreece Hiles were among the dozens of young people to benefit from the organisation's successful Christmas Appeal, which was run in conjunction with Colliers International.

One of region’s leading charities aimed at supporting disadvantaged young people has thanked everyone who donated thousands of items as part of its annual Christmas Appeal.

Emerge, which worked with Colliers International to run the appeal, managed to put together dozens of Christmas hampers for young people at risk of homelessness, drug addiction and mental health issues, along with their families.

Co-ordinator Jen Shaw said the result wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of hundreds of Toowoomba residents, many of which were doing it tougher last year due to difficult economic conditions.

“We got tons and tons of donations, we were able to give out heaps of presents, and necessary items, like food,” she said.

“We were able to do heaps of hampers — it would have been thousands of items.

“It’s tough for everybody right now, but it’s great they support local charities like us.”

Ms Shaw also thanked Colliers International agreeing to use its Toowoomba office as a donation point for items.