This year, like many before, the Community Centre will be hosting the annual Christmas Lunch, this year will be the 11th lunch. Each year around 100 people come together, to spend the day making new friends, sharing a wonderful meal and the spirit of the season. The day is funded through donations and volunteer hours and without such generous support this day would not be possible.

We are so grateful for the continued support of Ray White Dungog and R&R Property Stroud who each year host our giving tree. So many generous people drop off toys and gifts under the trees in each of these real estate agents so we can give them to families living across our region to ensure that every child gets a gift on Christmas Day. Each year we are overwhelmed by the gifts that are donated under each tree. It is hard to think of a little child waking on Christmas Day to an empty tree and each year we receive so many wonderful gifts for young children. However we also have many teenagers and young people who need a little Christmas spirit, so I would encourage you to think of gifts for children of all ages if you are wanting to share in the spirit of giving.

Christmas is a time of family and some of our favourite memories are of time spent with the family around the Christmas table. So to ensure that families have enough food to share we also have Christmas hampers. This year we are responding to feedback regarding allergies and food intolerances and instead of giving food hampers we will be giving gift vouchers for local businesses so families can get the food that best fits their families needs.

All the Christmas programs receive no funding and are only made possible by the wonderful donations made to the Community Centre and Giving Trees. If you would like to share in the season of giving please contact the community centre on 4992 1133 to discuss how you can support these wonderful programs, ensuring that all in our shire have a wonderful Christmas.