Toowoomba volunteers, donations break records for Hope For Our Children’s Christmas Gift of Hope Appeal

While December is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, for many Toowoomba children in need it can be filled with feelings of sadness. Here’s how these locals are making a difference.

Santa’s helpers have been working overtime, donating and wrapping gifts for children in need as part of Hope For Our Children’s Gift of Hope Appeal.

In conjunction with Mercy Community Services and the Department of Child Safety, the charitable organisation is running the annual Christmas initiative for the fourth time.

With the housing crisis and cost of living pressures reaching a concerning new high this year, Hope For Our Children managing director Rachael Carter said support was needed more than ever before.

Hope For Our Children Christmas appeal volunteers (back from left) Rebecca Westman, Katrina Hartog and Terri Henningsen with (front) Colbie Moffett. Picture: Rhylea Millar

“We’ve definitely had a rise in requests for gifts this year and we are giving 50 per cent more than we did last year,” she said.

“Our city has 100 children in residential care at the moment and it’s really important that they feel like they are part of our community, valued and loved, even if that’s by receiving a gift this Christmas.

“People are really feeling the pinch this year – in addition to children living in residential care, we have had a lot of requests from members of the community who are just not able to afford gifts for their kids this year and they need a helping hand.”

The organisation’s managing director said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the community after a “record-breaking” number of donations and volunteers showed up for the appeal on Tuesday.

Hope For Our Children administrator Selena Protheroe (left) and managing director Rachael Carter. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Nearly 300 gifts were wrapped and prepped to be delivered to children in need, with Christmas sacks containing brand new items including LEGO, Barbie dolls, colouring books, board games, frisbees, balls and headphones.

“We have already allocated 274 gifts to children but have more requests and referrals coming through,” Ms Carter said.

“It’s incredible to see the generosity of members of the community and local businesses.

“We had a lot of school kids donate gifts this year … it’s beautiful to see so many children learning at a young age that Christmas is actually about giving to others.”

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