JourneyOnline
AN ARMY of children from schools, kindergartens, day care centres and churches throughout Queensland joined forces to help launch UnitingCare’s annual Christmas appeal Operation Santa on 15 November.
Children visited Target stores in 57 communities across the state to spread some love, joy and hope with their Christmas gifts for people in their community who would otherwise not receive any gifts this year.
An estimated two million Australians, including more than one in 10 children, live in poverty.
Anne Cross, UnitingCare Queensland CEO, said thousands of people need support services from UnitingCare agencies each day and that demand always increased around Christmas.
“There are many people in our community who struggle through the festive season and not only for financial reasons,” said Ms Cross.
“We’re asking the public to give an extra present and use their Christmas spirit to bring love, joy and hope to those in our community who are doing it tough this year,” she said.
UnitingCare and Target are asking the community to become part of Operation Santa by donating gifts at Target and
Target Country stores across Australia.
Simply take a gift tag off the red Operation Santa tree at any Target or Target Country store.
Photo : UnitingCare Target gift appeal launch at North Lakes on 15 November. From left: Dr Narelle Dawson-Wells, The Hon Dean Wells, State Member, Councillor Julie Greer, Moreton Bay Regional
