For a small donation, The Salvation Army gift wrapping stall in Grafton Shoppingworld, will assist you with your Christmas gift wrapping. Image: Lynne Mowbray

Lynne Mowbray For most of us Christmas is a time of festivities, food, family and fun but for many it can be a time of great sadness and struggling. In the lead up to the Christmas festive season, spare a thought for those within our community who are doing it tough. The Salvation Army [the Salvo’s] are one of several organisations around the valley supporting Christmas Charity Appeals, this year. Salvation Army officer Martin Herring said that in the lead up to Christmas they have noticed several situations impacting on people’s lives. “The most common situation is that families (and sometimes individuals and couples) are already living with a very tight budget throughout the year that doesn’t balance at the best of times,” Mr Herring said. “There is just no margin for them to afford the extras at Christmas. “Another common situation is that many people receive multiple bills eg rego, electricity and phone bills at this time of year and with already tight budgets, struggle to pay all these bills, let alone afford Christmas treats. “Others may be looking for work or relocating, with some having gone through a separation (which leaves them with no money for Christmas). “Some struggle with health issues which requires them to spend a lot of money on medication and/or treatments and may not be able to work and Centrelink payments are not enough to cover all their costs. “We see people who are homeless and couch surfing because of a shortage of affordable housing in Grafton and Christmas is really not on their radar,” he said. The Salvos do a great job throughout the year by providing general assistance to those in need. This Christmas you can support the Salvos and help to make this Christmas a little bit brighter, for those less fortunate within our community. The Salvation Army have a Christmas trailer that is placed outside Woolworths in Grafton Shoppingworld (until Sunday December 17), where people can donate toys. People wishing to donate hamper food, can do so by visiting the Salvation Army’s gift wrapping stall in Shoppingworld, which is located opposite the Black Pepper (clothing store). For those wishing to donate money to assist with Christmas hampers or gift cards (as toys donated are not always suitable for teenagers) can do so by either contacting the Salvation Army office at 91 Oliver Street, Grafton or phoning 6643 1650. Anyone needing to apply for Christmas assistance can also contact the Salvation Army on the number above. Let do what we can for those less fortunate, by helping to put the Merry into their Christmas.