Increased cost of living and unemployment are two issues UnitingCare co-ordinator Pastor David Freeman says will impact on the experience of Christmas for many families in the Manning Valley.
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He is one of many people working in the region to try to brighten the lives of local families at Christmas and is urging people to support the UnitingCare and Target Christmas Appeal.
“We have so many generous people in our community and we’re relying on them to dig deep, show compassion and support our appeal this year,” Pastor Freeman said.
Last year the Manning Valley rallied to the appeal.
“An older man came into the Target store in Taree and left three extremely generous gifts in memory of his three sons who had passed away, to be shared with children in need.
“One mum spent her limited money on her children so the appeal provided place some gifts under her tree with her name on them, and in another act of kindness a project staff member rang up looking for assistance with gifts for a family of boys in need - a Target staff member heard the story and immediately went and bought gifts to share with this family.”
A beautiful Christmas tree stands in store at Target in Taree and Pastor Freeman says customers can place an unwrapped gift at the base of the tree or purchase gift tags for $1. The tree will be at the store until December 24.