She was speaking at a recent meet-the-charities event for the annual Blacktown Mayoress Christmas Gift Appeal.
“We thank the people and businesses of Blacktown City for responding generously to the needs of others,” said the Lady Mayoress.
MacKillop Family Services is one of five charities to receive from this year’s appeal. MacKillop Regional Manager, Nicole Gaffney, thanked the Mayoress and the Blacktown community.
“We are grateful for this support of our Blacktown work, and for the gifts that will go to our children and young people in foster care and residential care homes,” she said.
In a Council tradition going back more than 30 years, the community is invited to donate unwrapped Christmas gifts for children and young people up to age 16.
The Blacktown community’s response to the appeal grows larger each year, with local businesses stepping to the fore during COVID-19. Even in the current economic climate where resources are stretched, people and businesses have continued to give generously each year.
“Last year we had to have two trucks, not just one, to collect all the gifts from the drop-off locations,” said Kevin Poilly, Blacktown Council’s Events & Sister Cities Manager.
Some people prefer to donate vouchers, as donated gifts tend to suit little ones, so the vouchers come in handy to provide for the older children and young people.
MacKillop Family Services is also catering for the older teens, inviting people to donate Christmas gifts for children as well as for those up to age 18 in their residential and therapeutic care homes.
“We have 12 homes in Western Sydney,” says Nicole Gaffney, “and I can personally vouch for the delight our young people have when they receive their presents. Many have come from difficult backgrounds where a gift at Christmas was far from the norm.”
MacKillop has 35 foster carers in Western Sydney and the donated gifts are warmly welcomed.
For drop-off locations for the Mayoress’ Christmas Gift Appeal, please see the Council’s web site. To drop off gifts (including for ages 16-18) for the MacKillop Christmas Gift Appeal head to: MacKillop Family Services, Level 1, 38 Prince St Blacktown.
