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Homebuilders Family Services says think of teenagers and mums and dads when considering donating toys and gifts this year.
Family support worker Angela Crabb says these are the groups that Homebuilders find difficult to cater for when distributing gifts to struggling families.
Angela says she does not like to be too prescriptive when suggesting possible gifts, but books, educational toys and sporting equipment are always winners.
For mum and dad, a voucher for a luxury item or experience that they might not dream of being able to afford for themselves, can make an excellent gift. This could be for, say, a massage or facial.
Petrol vouchers might seem a little more mundane but are always hugely appreciated.
At the same time, don’t neglect thinking of gifts for younger children.
Angela says for some children, donated gifts supplied via social agencies will be the only presents they receive this Christmas.
“It’s hugely significant for them,” she says.
Those wishing to donate gifts can drop them in to Homebuilders, 5 Hexham Street, Warkworth, or place them under the tree in the Mahurangi Matters office. Gifts should be unwrapped. Deadline for gifts is Friday, December 13.
Kind Kiwis can also consider gifts of food. Warkworth Christian Foodlink accepts donations of tinned soups, tinned fruit, Christmas cake, mince pies, cereals, rice and pasta to make up its Christmas parcels. Foodlink manager Roger Mackay says demand for food aid overall is currently running about 30 per cent higher than last year.
“I think people are finding things pretty tough generally,” he says.
For a full list of needed food items, email reception@mahu.org.nz.
Food can be dropped off under the Christmas tree at the Mahurangi Matters office or at Mahurangi Presbyterian Church. Deadline for food gifts is December 12.
