Spread kindness this Christmas.
Just when we started thinking 2022 might get a better rating than the previous two years, the widespread flood disaster uprooted and traumatised so many people across our region.
The outpouring of support, kindness and generosity by community members has been phenomenal, but Christmas is still going to be very tough for so many.
There are lots of ways we can all do our little bit to make this festive season a bit more joyous for those have been affected by this catastrophe.
Here are some suggestions of where you can contribute. And remember to do all your Christmas shopping local to support our businesses.
• Forbes Shire Council has set up a GIVIT donation page to match you up with people who need help. There is a need for food vouchers at the moment. If you want to donate go to www.givit.org.au/donate-items. If you need help call 1300 585 054 or email givit@forbes.nsw.gov.au
• Eugowra GIVIT applications for help or to donate can be directed to www.visiteugowra.com.au/contact
• Forbes Central Butchery has a Christmas Wishing Tree, and Be Cafe in Parkes (formally Pink Orchid Cafe) is a drop off point for presents wrapped with an age and gender. The presents will be distributed to kids, big and small, from Eugowra, Forbes and Bedgerabong.
• Big W is bringing back the Giving Tree initiative at all its branches to support families in need and help spread joy this Christmas. Customers are invited to donate a gift until Christmas Eve. Unwrapped gifts including books, toys, stationery, puzzles or games, can be placed under the Giving Tree. The Parkes store will be matched with a local charity to ensure each donation is delivered to members of the community that need it most.
• Woolworths Parkes and Forbes in partnership with OzHarvest are joining branches across the country to help raise the equivalent of 7 million meals for those in need. Simply round up your supermarket shop to the nearest dollar while in store, or by adding a 50 cent token to your basket until 25th December.
By Maggi Barnard