By Natalee Kerr
A Geelong welfare agency wants locals to spread festive cheer early with donations for the disadvantaged.
Encompass Community Services’ Tub of Love has set raised its sights this year after helping almost two dozen families in 2018, according to intake officer Tracey Egan.
“We received probably around 300 items from the community. We had bags and bags loads of stuff,” Tracey said.
“There were so many generous donations and this festive season we hope to put smiles on even more faces.”
Tub of Love had launched earlier this year after the success of last year’s debut, Tracey said.
“We were inundated toward the end trying to get all the donations out before Christmas, so that’s why we’ve decided to open the donations a bit earlier this year.”
The appeal sought to support “vulnerable” families during the financially difficult festive season, Tracey explained.
“Some struggle at this time of year with the pressure of providing for their families and having such things as Christmas dinners.
“The drive helps relieve that pressure and uncertainty by providing much-needed material such as children’s presents.”
Tracey said Tub of Love would accept donations of non-perishable food, toys, games, books and personal hygiene items at Encompass’s Geelong offices and Bunnings Leopold until 2 December.
