The generosity of the Raymond Terrace community and those surrounding it comes as no surprise to Salvation Army auxiliary lieutenant Tracy Iles but it still overwhelms her each year when she sees the hundreds of toys donated to the charitable organisation from the Examiner and Dowling Christmas toy appeal.
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"This is such a generous community," Ms Iles said. "And without that generosity, hundreds of families in the community would go without at Christmas.
"The Salvation Army is just the bridge between businesses and individuals in the community who want to help others. We hand out the items you donate.
"It's the generosity of the people and businesses who donate that truly help make Christmas a special time for those who might not otherwise be able to enjoy it.
"These donations are incredibly important. It means families can have a Christmas."
Last year, the Salvation Army handed out 270 Christmas hampers in the Raymond Terrace community. Ms Iles said this represented about 800 people.
It is those who reach out the Salvation Army for assistance during Christmas that receive the toys that are donated through the Examiner and Dowling appeal.
The 25th annual Examiner and Dowling Christmas toy appeal launches on Thursday, November 14 and will run until Friday, December 20.
Anyone wishing to donate a toy to the appeal can do so between 9am and 5pm weekdays at the Dowling Property offices in Raymond Terrace and Medowie or by appointment at the Examiner's Raymond Terrace office. Phone (02) 4983 8400.
Donations are asked to be purchased new, for boys and girls any age and left unwrapped. Ms Iles said the Salvos often saw a gap in donations for children aged between 10 and 16.
Dowling Property Raymond Terrace licensee Gregg Bates said there was great joy in being part of the annual appeal.
"We really enjoy it," he said. "It's amazing to see the same people every year still fronting up to donate. We've even had people calling the office asking when the toy appeal will start.
"The community really is generous. It's a great thing to be part of and to see it continue to be so successful after 25 years."
About 500 toys were collected through the appeal last year and donated to the Salvation Army.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
