Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) is calling for extra help this Christmas as the rising cost of living puts more and more pressure on families.
PSN Community Relations Manager Anne Overton says for many Christmas is either falling into the too hard basket or looking like a very lean affair.
“Our aim is to change that and give children who could do with an extra smile a reason to celebrate.
“Presbyterian Support Northern is getting behind the annual Auckland Christmas Shoebox Appeal alongside The Breakfast Club and Vinnies Food Hub in Onehunga.
“We’re hoping to source about 4000 age-appropriate gifts for children that will be ferried around Auckland by various elves throughout November for distribution to children in December.”
The appeal works with low decile schools and preschools, Women’s Refuge and community organisations like Family Works and Shine.
“This is a great initiative to give children and their families a bit of joy this Christmas,” says Overton.
“So many families are having trouble making ends meet and this is a really simple, easy and lovely way that people can show them that they care, and that their experience matters.”
You can support the Christmas Shoebox Appeal by spending $20-$50 on gifts for children that fill a shoebox-size package. You can also buy gifts suitable for creating pamper packs for male and female caregivers.
Gifts need to be wrapped and a label attached that lists the gifts inside and the age and gender of the intended recipient.
Go to the Auckland Shoebox Christmas website to sign up and be matched with a child.
Or if you would rather donate a pamper pack for a mum or dad you can drop these off at one of the drop-off points on the Auckland Shoebox Christmas facebook page.
The Appeal is from Monday November 7 until Friday December 2.
