In a year where incredible hardship caused by the pandemic was in the spotlight, Port Stephens residents and businesses dug deeper than ever before to donate to Dowling's Christmas toy appeal.
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Dowling Property Raymond Terrace director Craig Higgins said the real estate's toy appeal for the Salvation Army, which has been running annually since 1994, received its greatest ever amount of donations in 2020.
"We say it gets bigger every year and it does, but last year was the biggest ever," he said.
"We had a massive amount of toys donated. We made four trips to the Salvation Army with three trolleys full of toys.
"The appeal is very well supported by residents and the business community. Our community is extremely generous."
The appeal is now open, with toys for boys and girls of all ages, from 0 to 18, asked to be donated to the Dowling Property offices in Raymond Terrace and Medowie between business hours up until Friday, December 17.
Toys must be brand new and left unwrapped.
The toys are given to the Salvation Army in Raymond Terrace to distribute.
Most toys go to children whose families have registered for Christmas food hampers.
The Salvation Army hands out more than 270 food hampers, representing about 800 people, in the Raymond Terrace community each Christmas.
Dowling Property Raymond Terrace director Kate Organ said COVID-19 had a positive impact on its appeal last year, with residents showing kindness and generosity towards those in their community who were doing it tough.
"I think a lot of people wanted to help where they could," she said.
"Donating even one toy is making a difference."
To register for food hamper and gift assistance, phone the Raymond Terrace Salvation Army on (02) 4983 1425.
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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.
