By Callum Ludwig
Christmas is a special time of the year for all and for young families, the excitement is always almost palpable.
However, the cost-of-living pressures we are all facing could mean that a few families may struggle to put presents under the Christmas tree this year.
Yarra Junction Library is making an effort to help ensure families in the community can provide kids with a gift through their current Giving Tree campaign.
Team Leader at Yarra Junction Library Judy Cousins said the Giving Tree will support the charity Second Bite to bring joy to the Christmas of local communities and families.
“We’re offering the option for people to donate toys for ages from babies to 18 years and priced from $10 to $20. We ask for them not to be wrapped so they can be sent out to those in need,” she said.
“For this community, it’s a situation that it’s going to be a bit light on this Christmas for families, and the opportunity to have a bit of surprise is a lovely thing. It’s become quite prevalent that there’s a large number of people that are looking for a bit of support.”
The gifts can be dropped off at the Yarra Junction Library on Hoddle Street, with the appeal ending on 5 December.
Ms Cousins said Christmas is a special day, especially if there is a large amount of kids in the family.
“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,” she said.
“We are promoting it to the schools as well, because children giving presents to other children is a lovely idea, and it is great for the family to come in and put something under our tree. We, as a library with books, see the importance of reading and literacy so we hope books are one thing under the Christmas tree too.”
Yarra Junction library is also holding an ongoing book sale, with books for sale for $1 or a bag for $5, either to prepare to get stuck into a book over summer or perhaps as an option for the Giving Tree.
