By Romy Stephens
People throughout the Dandenong Ranges and beyond are being invited to help put a smile on the face of children in need this Christmas.
The Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) is inviting locals to donate gifts for children, as part of its annual Christmas program.
The program sees DRERS put up a Christmas tree in the Belgrave Library, which acts as a drop-off point for gifts.
People who would like to help the program can then provide gifts to families in need by taking them to the donation point.
DRERS CEO Tania Bevan said the program “sums up the season” as it’s “a time of giving.”
“We put out an appeal for gifts and then basically everyone who has been a client this year is invited to come and receive the gifts for their children,” she said.
“It makes a world of difference to people who can’t afford everyday things. When things are a constant struggle, Christmas presents are sometimes unachievable.”
“If people were able to see it and the relief that it brings people, who can put presents under the tree for their kids because of this program, it’s an amazing feeling.
“We’re happy to take whatever people would like to give. If they are struggling to think of things for teenagers, gift vouchers are always an easier option.”
DRERS is also continuing its tradition of providing Christmas hampers to clients, which the community can also help out with.
“If people want to give to the Christmas program but they might find it hard to go and buy a gift for children, they might be pressed for time or not know what to buy, they can always buy Christmas food and drop that off where the donation point for the gifts at the Belgrave Library is,” Ms Bevan said.
“The Christmas hampers are very popular and they make the world of difference to all of our clients, not just the children.”
Ms Bevan said the organisation’s Christmas program was an important part of the community.
“Thank you to everybody who has donated in the past and everyone that’s going to donate this year,” she said.
“It’s a community program so we can’t do it without the community.”
DRERS will be giving the toys and Christmas hampers out during the week starting 14 December.
The organisation is seeking donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children aged 0-17 years old.
To find out more about the program, visit www.drers.org.au.
