In the true spirit of Christmas, Target and UnitingCare Australia have once again joined together to improve the lives of thousands of Australians struggling during this festive season.

The proceeds of this year’s appeal will again be used by Moree Family Support, Flourish, Byamee and the Salvation Army to provide hampers to the elderly and those in need within the Moree community. 

Moree Family Support’s Marie O’Neill said the hampers make a huge difference to those doing it tough, particularly during the Christmas period when there’s extra costs but the bills still need to be paid.

 “It really does help, and is particularly special for the kids,” she said.

“It means they still get a Christmas.”

Last year Moree Family Support and the other charities distributed 100 hampers locally, with 36 of those going to elderly members of our community.

This year they are aiming for 105 hampers, again giving 36 to the elderly.

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To contribute to the campaign, simply purchase an appeal bauble for $2, a white Christmas gift box for $3 or place an unwrapped gift under the tree at your local Target store. 

Volunteers from the UnitingCare Network will collect donations and distribute them to people and families in need with the help of the local charities.

“The team at UnitingCare and the Uniting Church Moree are thrilled to play even a small part in such an important community campaign and encourage shoppers to donate as much or as little as they can,” UnitingCare and Moree Uniting Church volunteer Karen Kong said.

“It’s good to all work together as a community to do something, that way people end up with something worthwhile. It is also a way to let people know that they’re thought of and other people are trying to do something to help.”

Target Moree manager Emma O’Hern said the campaign is always well supported.

“Moree is great, even this year when things are a bit tough,” she said.

Now in its 27^th year, the appeal has helped hundreds of thousands of families across Australia.

In 2017, the appeal raised $700,000 nationwide from more than 22,000 donations, helping support more than 42,000 Australian families.

This year, organisers hope to reach more people who will struggle this Christmas thanks to the generous support from all Australians.

The Target UnitingCare Australia Christmas Appeal runs from November 1 until December 24, however the local Moree campaign will finish on Friday, December 14, to allow time for hampers to be distributed locally.

Target Moree is located at Balo Square, Moree.

For more information on the Appeal, and to donate online visit www.unitingcarechristmasappeal.com.au.