Christmas is always a time of joy and giving to others. But, during the Christmas break, when most of us focus on family and friends, it’s also a time to spare a thought for those in our community who are struggling to make ends meet.

The sad reality is there are thousands of kids who won’t receive a present this year. Many families in our City are doing it tough, and simply can’t afford to buy presents or an expensive Christmas feast that many of us take for granted.

Canterbury-Bankstown Council is helping spread the Christmas cheer by hosting a Christmas toy and hamper donation drive, to help families in need.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour says it’s important to remember many local families are doing it tough.

“Families in our City are amongst the poorest when it comes to the medium household income, with very little savings and most, if not all of their money going towards rent, rising bills and the basics,” Mayor Asfour says.

“We’ll be supporting local charitable and not-for profit organisations and the Canterbury-Bankstown Chamber of commerce to collect donations from members of the community and deliver them to needy children and families in our City.”

We’re collecting donations for new and unwrapped children’s toys and items, as well as Christmas hampers for Canterbury-Bankstown families in need.

Items that will be accepted are NEW:

• Arts and craft supplies
• Beach towels, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Toys, books and stationery
• Christmas non-perishable hampers
• Gift cards and vouchers

Donations can be dropped off until Sunday 18 December, Monday to Sunday during business hours at the following locations:

• Bankstown and Campsie (Monday-Friday only)
• Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre
• Campsie Library and Knowledge Centre

For more details, contact Council’s Community Development Team at commdev@cbcity.nsw.gov.au or visit cb.city/MayoralChristmasDonations