By Derek Schlennstedt
For many Christmas is a time of celebration and giving, but for some it brings a world of stress and financial pressure.
Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) manager Tania Bevan knows about those pressures all too well.
For many of her clients, just buying their children a gift from Santa is too much.
Which is why the DRERS Giving Tree has been in the Belgrave Library for over 18 years, and this year is no different.
At the large Christmas tree found in Belgrave Library, people can take a tag from the tree and leave an ‘unwrapped’ gift for anyone aged between newborn and 18 years.
“It’s probably the time of year you notice the disadvantage in our community more, and for us it’s our busiest time of year in terms of providing emergency relief to people.,” Ms Bevan said.
“It’s a time of year where families are stretched financially and for some parents it’s an impossible task because they have to prioritise saving for start of the school year and over holidays and there’s extra expenses. So when they don’t have enough for those things something’s got to give.”
Ms Bevan said the Christmas campaign had experienced enormous success with the community digging deep to help their neighbours.
Members of the community were welcome to leave unwrapped gifts up until Friday, 18 December.
“There is no need to wrap the gifts as they are displayed so the kids can have just what they want for Christmas.”
“What we are after is new toys for all ages – vouchers for teenagers are the most sought after gift and if people are stuck for ideas, sporting goods are great gifts.”
“Gifts can be left under the Christmas tree at Belgrave Library or given to the Library staff, if people aren’t comfortable putting them under the tree.”
DRERS also prepares hampers to give away, so donations such as plum puddings were also welcome and can be made at the DRERS office locate beneath the Belgrave Hub. The Belgrave Library is located at Reynolds Lane, Belgrave.
Ms Bevan said there was always a positive response to the tree and thanked the community for their caring.
“Making sure the kids having something, under the Christmas tree is our thanks and it’s so nice to know that kids in our community won’t miss out.”
“I want to thank everyone who has donated in the past as it’s making a big difference … everyone at DRERS would like to thank people who donate for their wonderful donations and wish them a safe and happy Christmas,” Ms Bevan said.
