Thousands of children around Sydney will have a special meal and presents to open on Christmas day thanks to those who have supported Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker program.
Toys ‘n’ Tucker collects donations of food and toys from the community, packs them into hampers, and distributes them to households that struggle to make ends meet.
“Toys ‘n’ Tucker exists because of the generosity of individuals, schools, organisations and churches who donate the food and toys that make up the hampers,” says Teresa Clark, Head of Food and Financial Assistance at Anglicare.
“It’s only with their support that we can bring the joy of Christmas to those struggling at this time of year. The kindness shown through these donations creates memories that can last longer than Christmas Day.”
Hampers will be distributed throughout December at Anglicare sites and Anglican churches across Sydney. We are also sending hampers to drought affected communities in the Northern Inland region.
“We see a lot of people struggling at Christmas time,” says Paul Fitzpatrick, Program Manager for Food and Financial Assistance at Mt Druitt.
“Christmas shouldn’t be a time marked by stress and fear. We want to help ease the financial pressure on families by providing food for a Christmas meal and gifts for families with children. We hope that the hampers help relieve some of the pressure so people can experience the joy of Christmas.”
In 2018, thanks to donations from people across the Sydney region, Anglicare packed and distributed 6,025 Christmas food hampers and 3,992 hampers of toys to families in need.
“It’s a wonderful way to share the love of Jesus with the wider community,” says Ms Clark.
Donations of appropriate food and new toys can be dropped off at Anglicare Op Shops until December 18. For a shopping list visit: www.toysntucker.org.au.
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