The Salvation Army has launched its annual Christmas appeal and there are many ways for the community to help out where possible. 

A toy drive is currently being held where residents can donate items for all ages. 

“The parents come and register their children and then we put bundles together and then hand them out to the parents who can wrap them up and give them on Christmas Day,” Leeton Salvation Army captain Wendy-Sue Swann said. 

“This year we are also doing something a little bit different. With our food hall, people can come and register for a food hamper, but we are also encouraging them to put about a dollar a week away towards it themselves.

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“We’ve been telling them all year ‘we want you to feel like you’re doing it for yourself’ and now we want them to think ‘well, I can do Christmas for myself’. 

“Even if you’ve only put $5 towards it, we’re still going to give you the same amount of food as everyone else, but it’s just about thinking a little bit differently, taking ownership. 

“They still get a nice hamper and get to choose it for themselves.”

Residents can donate food to the cause, which will then be part of the hampers for local community members. 

Cash donations are also welcomed to help in the purchasing of items. 

Christmas is one of the busiest time of year for the Salvos in terms of helping residents in the shire. 

“The people who come and register for a Christmas hamper can also see what we do with our food hall and see they can do this throughout the year too,” captain Swann said. 

“Just pop in and we can see what we can do to help and explain how everything works.”

On Christmas Day, The Salvation Army is also inviting the public to gather to celebrate the hope and joy of the festive season.

The Christmas Day service will be held at 9am at the headquarters in Maple Street. 

“Whether you are by yourself, or with friends and family, Christmas is a time that is best spent together,” captain Swann said.

“So join us, so we can share the true spirit of Christmas.”

Leeton shire residents who require assistance at Christmas with food and gifts call 0400 725 547.

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