By Tania Martin
GIVING a gift to disadvantaged children this Christmas is a great way to get into the festive spirit.
Hills people are now being urged to give a gift and put a smile on a child’s face.
Christmas is an exciting time for most youngsters and discovering the wonder of a present under the tree is the best part.
But many under privileged children don’t get to experience that.
Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS), in conjunction with the Shire of Yarra Ranges, have set up giving trees in Monbulk and Belgrave.
Residents can visit one of the trees at Belgrave Library or at the Monbulk Community Link, take a tag off the tree and buy a gift for the child described on the card.
Each tag represents a child in the hills in need this Christmas.
Anita Burman of DRERS said residents could also donate a gift without collecting a card from one of the trees.
“The giving tree addresses a need in the local community that is not met by department store wishing trees,” she said.
Ms Burman said the response from the community had been fantastic especially given the current economic climate.
Residents are asked not to wrap the gifts as they will be displayed in a Christmas Shop to give parents the joy of choosing a gift for their children.
But Ms Burman said a sheet of wrapping paper given with the gift would be appreciated.
DRERS is also offering food hampers for people struggling this Christmas. It is calling for donations of non-perishable food.
All gifts and food donations need to be returned to the giving tree by Thursday, 11 December.
Families facing hardship who live in the south west of the shire can now register for the Christmas Shop by contacting DRERS on 9754 7777.
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