By Callum Ludwig
The Christmas period is a time of giving, and community groups around the Upper Yarra are calling on residents to bring a little joy to their neighbours this festive season.
Giving trees have sprung up across the region, providing an opportunity to buy a gift for a family or person in need and ensure we all have something under the tree this year,
The Yarra Junction Library’s Giving Tree is set up until 5 December at the library on Hoddle Street, with toys and items for children aged all the way from babies to 18-year-olds welcomed. Gifts are asked not to be wrapped and can be priced between $10 and $20.
“It’s just such a wonderful thing for families to be together and to not feel the pressure of trying to find the money for gifts or not having anything or a very small amount for their children,” Team Leader at Yarra Junction library Judy Cousins said.
Yarra Junction library is also holding an ongoing book sale, with books for sale for $1 or a bag for $5 which can be an easy option for the Giving Tree.
The ADRA Redwood Community Care Centre has also teamed up with Bell Real Estate, Bendigo Bank and Koha Community Cafe to provide four different locations for residents to drop off gifts for their Christmas appeal, with monetary or gift donations suitable for any age welcomed.
Upper Yarra Secondary College students recently visited to donate ingredients for tasty zucchini fritters.
A Christmas food appeal is also running at Professionals Yarra Valley in Yarra Junction to support LinC in helping put together a Christmas spread for families.
Residents are invited to donate non-perishable items, traditional Christmas Day food or personal hygiene products at Professionals Yarra Valley at 2460 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction before 8 December.
