The inaugural Wattle Range Mayoral Christmas Appeal has begun with community support requested to support those in need across the community.
Collection bins are now available at Woolworths, IGA, Fosters, Millicent Library, Beachport’s Southern Ocean Tourist Park and the Millicent Council Office.
Mayor Des Noll has invited the community to think of others when shopping this festive season.
“Donations of non-perishable goods, books, toys and games would be gratefully appreciated to help make Christmas a better time for those less fortunate,” he said.
“We are extremely grateful the same agencies, organisations and community groups who made the Millicent Combined Churches Christmas Appeal possible are on board to continue their support for the Mayoral Christmas Appeal this year.”
The Millicent Combined Churches Christmas Appeal had received strong community support for 30 years until it went into recess at the end of 2020.
For much of this time, its major fundraiser was an annual fete with each church denomination manning a stall.
The appeal committee was always grateful for council’s support as well as the donations in cash and kind from local service clubs, businesses, groups, schools and individuals.
Each year, the Millicent Combined Churches Christmas Appeal would raise several thousand dollars to make Christmas a little brighter for families struggling to make ends meet.
Members of the various churches would then gather at the Millicent Salvation Army Citadel each December to pack hampers ready for distribution later.
The hampers were valued at well over $100 and contained such items Christmas cake, ham, biscuits, chips, tea, coffee, milk and gift vouchers.
There were also age and gender appropriate presents for children.
The Millicent Combined Churches Christmas Appeal Committee regrettably took the decision last year to relinquish its activities owing to a lack of volunteers.
More information on how you can help with the 2021 Mayoral Christmas Appeal is available by contacting Wattle Range Council.
