The need for the community's Christmas spirit to shine bright has never been more urgent.
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During the launch this week of the 26th annual Examiner and Dowling Christmas appeal, Raymond Terrace Salvation Army corps officer Yolande Soper said there was a "great need' for gifts to be donated for all ages as there were more residents and families of the town and surrounds than ever before reaching out for assistance during the holidays due to the effects of COVID-19.
"Everyone goes through seasons of struggle but this year there's more people than ever struggling. This appeal demonstrates the hope the community can give those who have asked for help," she said.
"We want people who are struggling to know it is not a bad thing to ask for help, and that you're not in this alone."
Raymond Terrace Salvation Army is the recipient of the hundreds of toys and gifts donated during the appeal. More than 500 toys have been donated to the appeal in the past three years alone.
It is the people who reach out the Salvation Army for assistance during Christmas, seeking a food hamper or other help, that receive the items donated through the appeal.
The Salvation Army hands out more than 270 Christmas hampers in the Raymond Terrace community.
Dowling Raymond Terrace principal Craig Higgins said he hoped the community's kindness shown in past years was just as strong this Christmas.
"There are so many generous people in this community. We see it every year when they drop in gifts," he said.
"Even though things are very different this year, we would love to see as many toys and presents dropped in as possible to help who have been hit hard by COVID."
Donations are asked to be brand new, for all ages and left unwrapped. They can be dropped into Dowling Raymond Terrace (16A William Street) or Dowling Property Medowie (3/37 Ferodale Road) during business hours (9am to 5pm) until Friday, December 18.
Ms Soper said this year there was a need for gifts for the elderly who have felt the impact of COVID-19. Gifts for teen children of both sexes were also encouraged.
Registrations for Christmas food hampers are being taken by the Raymond Terrace Salvation Army on Mondays between 9am and 5pm. Phone (02) 4983 1425.
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