Mayor’s Christmas Appeal calls on Lake Mac to help families doing it tough

newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz is urging residents to support this year’s Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, which is running until 12 December to help local families and individuals doing it tough.

The annual appeal collects toys, gifts and non-perishable food items that will be distributed in time for Christmas through local charity partner Samaritans, the welfare arm of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. Council says the campaign is aimed at easing pressure on households who might otherwise struggle to put presents under the tree or food on the table.

Mayor Shultz said this time of year could be especially challenging for people facing financial stress. “Christmas should be a time of joy, but for many in our community, it’s a time of stress and hardship,” he said. “Even a small gift can make a big difference.”

Donations can be dropped off at all Lake Mac Libraries branches across the city, providing multiple collection points for residents who want to contribute. Council and Samaritans will work together to package and deliver the donated items to families and individuals identified as being in need.

Samaritans President, Bishop Peter Stuart, said the organisation had been providing “life-changing” support for more than 40 years. He said the charity’s work was focused on supporting people who were struggling. “Samaritans exists to walk alongside those in our community who are doing it tough,” he said.

Bishop Stuart said the organisation was consistently moved by the response from the Hunter community at Christmas. “Every year we are humbled by the willingness of our local community to help each other. If you are able, please consider sharing your generosity with Samaritans this Christmas,” he said.

To make it easier for donors to select suitable presents, a new gift-giving guide has been introduced this year outlining age-appropriate items. Suggestions range from plush toys and books for primary school children to portable speakers, art supplies and gift vouchers for young adults.

Samaritans supports thousands of people across the Hunter Region through more than 100 programs, including a Christmas Toy Warehouse and Christmas Day lunches. The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is one of the key ways the community can help stock those programs with gifts and supplies before the holiday period.

Mayor Shultz encouraged residents to donate what they could over the coming weeks and to make use of the library drop-off points. “Let’s ensure no one in Lake Macquarie wakes up empty-handed this Christmas,” he said.