Lynne Mowbray |

This year has been a difficult year for us all but even more so, for those already experiencing hardship.

The Salvation Army has launched its annual Christmas Appeal and are calling on donations of food, toys and financial help from the public.

Here in the Clarence Valley, Salvation Army spokesperson Cathryn Williamson said that they have already started receiving donations at both their centres in Maclean and Grafton, and they will be distributing hampers and toys to those in need, in the lead up to Christmas.

“Anyone wishing to donate can drop off their donations at their Family Stores opposite the Clarence Valley Council building in Maclean or at 26 Queen Street, Grafton.

“Non-perishable food items such as pasta, rice, long-life milk, canned food -veggies, beetroot, pasta sauce, Wheatbix etc, or anything that will keep and has a long shelf life.

“New toys (not second hand) don’t need to be wrapped as we give our clients the wrapping paper so that they can wrap them for their kids.

“Any money that is donated we use for hampers and that can be tax deductable and we can provide receipts for that,” Cathryn said.

The Salvation Army are currently providing a gift-wrapping service in Grafton Shoppingworld, for a gold coin donation which will also go towards their Christmas Appeal.

“This gold coin donation service will be available between 10am and 2pm each day up until December 18 and then from 10am to 4pm, during the week leading into Christmas,” she said.