Helping spread festive cheer

Ministry for Children Oranga Tamariki is this year’s recipient of The Southland Times annual Christmas Tree appeal.

Pictured, the Invercargill-based ministry’s senior practitioner Jonelle Galbreath, left, and supervisor Jan Oster with some of the presents that people have donated for the vulnerable children that Oranga Tamariki supports.

‘‘Getting gift donations is not something we actively go out and do [for children at Christmas] but we’re grateful to be able to brighten up their Christmas this year,’’ Oster said.

Oranga Tamariki is also helped by other organisations and churches which donate food parcels at Christmas.

The appeal will close at The Southland Times on Deveron St on December 19.

Donations can be in the form of unwrapped gifts, wrapped presents, labelled with gender/age or nonperishable food items or monetary donations.