Making Christmas special
With increasing living costs, and higher demand for social services in South Canterbury, an initiative aimed at helping families struggling, particularly over the Christmas period, is back again.
To help take the pressure off struggling families, Presbyterian Support South Canterbury (PSSC) Family Works and The Timaru Herald work together every year setting up a Christmas tree in the Herald’s foyer for people to donate gifts.
‘‘Christmas is often a difficult time of year for families who are struggling to make do on a day-today,’’ PSSC chief executive Carolyn Cooper said.
‘‘For many of these families Christmas Day is no different to any other day because they can’t afford the basics let alone any trimmings or gifts.
‘‘It is just so hard for them especially when there are children who are not old enough to understand why their Christmas is different to others.’’
Cooper said the organisation ‘‘loves the opportunity to make Christmas special for these families.
‘‘We are extremely grateful to The Timaru Herald and the people in the community who support the Christmas Tree Appeal.’’
The Timaru Herald’s editor, Brooke Black, said: ‘‘2022 has proven to be another tough year for many families across the region and there are many people who will go without unless the community rallies in support.
‘‘In recent years, despite the increasing economic pressures faced by many, our community has continued to support this fantastic initiative with hundreds of gifts flowing in during the month leading up to Christmas.
‘‘It is particularly heartwarming to hear how much of an impact a small act of kindness can have for those who would otherwise go without,’’ Black said.
Cooper said all gifts – which must be unwrapped – would be accepted, especially for 0 to 3-year-olds and for teenage boys/ girls. ‘‘Bottom line though is any gift is of use to someone in our community.’’
Gifts can be left under The Timaru Herald Community Christmas Tree. The office is open 8am-5pm, weekdays, except between 1pm and 2pm.