Christmas toy appeal brings cheer to many Northland children

Whangarei Lions launched its annual Christmas Toy Appeal at the Northern Advocate office. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Hundreds of needy Northland children will have a much better Christmas thanks to the Whangarei Lions Club's annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

The appeal provides hundreds of toys for families in need to make their Christmas extra special, spokesman Russell Ross said.

Mr Ross said people could drop toys off at the Whangarei Public Library until December 17 or at the Northern Advocate office at 88 Robert St until December 20. Any toys dropped off at the Advocate will be put under the Christmas tree and later distributed to needy families.

Mr Ross said this year the community groups and charities that will benefit from the toys are Barnardos, Jigsaw North, Te Puna O Te Aroha Maori Womens Refuge, Tryphina House Women's Refuge, Te Aroha Medical Centre, Otangarei Te Puawaitangeata, Miriam Centre, Ngati Hau Health and Social Services, Kia Ora Ngatiwai, Otangarei Trust, Genesis Centre and Rawene Hospital.

Mr Ross said Lions was constantly overwhelmed by the generous of Northlanders who donated to the cause and without them, many families would not have an enjoyable Christmas.

"These families really appreciate the toys and for many it really makes their Christmas. Lions is really thankful to all who donate and really appreciate their generosity."

Karen, who does not want her surname used, from Tryphina House, said the toys made such a huge difference for the many families the organisation saw.

"It takes a bit of the stress off them at a time that is very trying. Often they come to us with no resources [having left home in a hurry to escape abuse] and it is wonderful to be able to provide these families with some toys to make their Christmas more enjoyable."

Shirley Drake, service manager for Barnardos, said the organisation's clients were just so grateful to receive the help at Christmas.

"It means that they may be able to pay that power bill or buy extra food. There are so many issues out there effecting people and like many services, we are seeing an increase in demand," she said.

The Lions Christmas appeal is one of many in Northland, with the Salvation Army and Red Cross also having appeals for toys and food to supply to needy families in the community.