PEOPLE can spread joy and bring happiness to those in need in the local community by leaving a gift or food item at the ‘Tree of Hope’, a collaboration between Leongatha RSL and The Salvation Army Leongatha.
The tree is housed in the RSL’s foyer, with community members continuing to give generously and donations being taken until the close of business on November 28.
“It’s part of our Community Connections Program,” Leongatha RSL’s general manager Greg Nugent said.
Gifts for adults as well as toys for the kids are welcome, as are non-perishable and in-date food items.
All items will be distributed locally to families in need just in time for Christmas, with those at the local branch of The Salvation Army responsible for that process.
“We are excited to have the Leongatha RSL partnering with South Coast Gippsland Salvos as a drop-off location for Christmas gifts for kids this year,” Hannah Richards multi-site administrator for The Salvation Army said.
“Each Christmas we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community, and every year we see the real impact it makes, and the support we receive through local agencies, businesses, and individuals means families who are doing it tough can experience a brighter and more hope-filled Christmas.”
While the tubs near the Tree of Hope contained an impressive collection of donated items when Sentinel-Times visited, and the RSL’s Kate Gourlay remarked there are a couple of filled tubs upstairs, given the ongoing cost of living crisis, it’s hoped there’s plenty more to come so that Christmas is a brighter occasion for those less fortunate.
Those able to give are requested not to wrap their donations, so that the Salvos can ensure they go to appropriate recipients.
