More than 120 local families will receive the wonderful present of a food hamper and gift bag from Lithgow St Vincent de Paul this Christmas.
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The hampers and gift bags have come donations from the Lithgow community, Ulysses Motor cycle Club and schools.
Ulysses Motor Cycle Club gave the Lithgow St Vincent de Paul plenty of presents from its annual toy run along with a financial donation.
La Salle Academy donated $811 from its Amazing Race fundraiser with another much appreciated $950 came from St Patricks Primary School’s Christmas Carols.
President of Lithgow St Vincent de Paul Gary Marshall thanked the community for their help.
“All money collected in the Lithgow area stays in the Lithgow area,” he said.
At Christmas the focus is on children, abundance and sharing, so it can be a very lonely time for people living on their own, isolated from family and friends.
St Vincent de Paul Society members, volunteers and staff assist people throughout the Christmas and New Year season, seeing first hand how tough Christmas can be for some.
Denis Walsh, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW president, is calling on the community to continue to support its Christmas appeal.
“While food hampers and toys are wonderful for families, providing vital financial and emotional support may be more welcome for many,” says Mr Walsh.
Jack de Groot, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, says that extending the hand of friendship is what Vinnies does best.
“Last festive season, food, including vouchers and hampers, made up nearly 50 per cent of the total spend of over $2.7 million. In addition, the Society distributed $920,944 worth of Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers.
“But we know that it is a listening ear and an open heart can make the biggest difference.
“Glenda, one of our members, visited an elderly woman who lived on her own. They sat together, drinking tea and sharing trifle recipes. Glenda left an hour later, knowing that just spending the time chatting had lifted the woman’s spirits and reduced her feelings of isolation.
“Our members, volunteers and staff do an amazing job but it isn’t possible without donations from our supporters. We welcome the generosity of the public at this time because it brings joy, security and safety to so many of the people we assist.”
