Keira MP Ryan Park and SAHSSI CEO Penny Dordoy are appealing for donations to the Christmas toy drive. Photo: Supplied.
Christmas is going to be a tough time for many families but Illawarra residents can help make it a bit brighter by donating gifts to families in need.
Keira MP Ryan Park has launched one of the first toy drives of the season. Now in its 14th year, the gifts are donated to the Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI).
The annual Christmas toy drive has collected thousands of toys for families receiving assistance, help, care or relief from SAHSSI.
SAHSSI has been providing critical support to vulnerable women and their children affected by homelessness and domestic violence for more than 30 years.
A record number of gifts were donated last year and Mr Park is hoping residents can again dig deep to help out.
“Every year I’m overwhelmed by the hundreds of generous people who contribute to our Christmas toy drive,” he said.
“The toys and gifts donated help women and families who are experiencing domestic violence and homelessness. These simple acts of kindness really mean the world.
“When you’re heading out to do your Christmas shopping this year, please consider buying some extra toys and make this Christmas special for those who need it most.
“I’m so proud that every year the toy drive keeps getting bigger and bigger, breaking the previous year’s number of toys, and I hope this year will be the same.”
SAHSSI CEO Penny Dordoy said during the holiday season, families impacted by domestic violence needed more love and support than ever and the toy drive helped parents to make Christmas special for their children.
“Ryan Park created the annual toy drive in 2011 to ensure children in the Illawarra who are impacted by domestic and family violence can enjoy Christmas and the holidays just like the rest of us,” she said.
“Now in its 14th year, the program has had an incredible impact, growing every year, helping thousands of children.”
All donations of unwrapped toys are welcome.
They can be delivered to Mr Park’s Corrimal office at 263 Princes Highway during business hours, or to Woonona Bulli RSL and Wests Illawarra.
Donations will be accepted until Tuesday 3 December.
Loading ...
