Maitland City Council is teaming up with Maitland Region Community Support (MRCS) again this year to support their annual Christmas toy and hamper drive and lend a hand to those in need.

A Mayor’s Christmas Toy and Food Appeal is underway at all four Maitland Libraries calling for donations of long life and Christmas related food items, toys, and other goodies. These items will be used to help fill hampers, which are donated to families in need across Maitland.

All four libraries – East Maitland, Maitland, Rutherford, and Thornton – will be accepting items at marked drop off areas until Friday, 9 December.

Council is also contributing $12,000 in financial support to help source goods from across the community, plus help from staff and councillors to pack what’s expected to be nearly 400 Christmas hampers.

Mayor Philip Penfold called the project a testament to the goodwill of the people of Maitland.

“MRCS have been lending a hand to the people of Maitland with Christmas hampers for more than 10 years now, and it’s great for us to be supporting this incredible initiative,” Philip said.

“Council is proud to be able to chip in our support, and it’s always heartening to see businesses and volunteers from across the community come together to help those who need it.

“I’d encourage everyone, if you’re able, to pitch in with whatever you can and donate some items to the appeal at any four of our libraries and help out those in need during tough times.”

Manager of Maitland Region Community Support, Sarah Adams thanked Council for its support and called on the community to rally for those in need.

“In 2021 we packed over 300 hampers and this year we’re expecting demand to rise to 400,” Sarah said.

“We’re asking for people to get behind these hampers in any way they can, whether it’s a financial donation, business support, or chipping into the Mayor’s Christmas Toy and Food Appeal.

“MRCS appreciates the support from all corners of the community, including Council’s support, and it’s an honour to be able to bring people together in support of their neighbour during tough times.”

All toys will be donated to Susan Roskell Toy Drive that distributes to organisations all around the region, including MRCS.

IMAGE | Manager of Maitland Region Community Support, Sarah Adams and Mayor Philip Penfold (L-R).