Community
Family Works Southland has launched its annual Christmas Gift Appeal again, to support families who are struggling to make ends meet.
Running until December 5, the team are always blown away by the positive response from the community.
Manager Irene Te Koeti said they continued to see the effects that the cost of living was having on families they worked with.
“For many, these financial pressures result in hard decisions being made regularly, and in particular at Christmas time."
She said for many Christmas was a time of joy, spending quality time with family, but for others it can also be a time of stress and added financial hardship.
“Our Southland community is a generous one, and by working together we can help ease some of that stress, bring smiles to faces, and help to ensure these families have a wonderful Christmas.”
The donated gifts are given to the children of families Family Works supports across all its programmes, who may otherwise miss out on receiving presents.
Family Works is collecting for children and teens from 0-16 and people can drop off new, unwrapped gifts under the Christmas tree at its reception - 183 Spey Street.
Puzzles, books, games, and vouchers for activities and experiences are great options for a variety of ages.
They even have a gift guide on the website, familyworkssld.nz, which may help people come up with more ideas, based on age range.
“We appreciate the community getting behind this appeal every year. We couldn’t do the work we do without that support.”
