Geelong charity Elf Squad is calling for donations to ensure families in the region have presents under the tree to unwrap on Christmas Day.
Elf Squad founder Stephanie Beitzel said there was a “dire need” for toy donations over the next few weeks.
“We’re hoping for a big push to ensure we have enough toys to support around 500 children in the Geelong region before Christmas,” she said.
“We supply the presents to about a dozen charities that don’t get access to other programs like this … and they’re given to families experiencing financial distress, refugees, people escaping violence and this year we’re also looking to help business owners who have been doing it tough.”
Ms Beitzel said donations of unwrapped new toys for newborns up to people aged 21 could be dropped off at Hayswinckle real estate agencies in Highton, East Geelong, Newtown, Drysdale and Lara, Salon 7 at Market Square, Westfield, Leopold and Armstrong Creek and Eye Gallery in Highton.
People could get the “elves to shop for them” by making a tax-deductible financial donation to the charity, she said.
Ms Beitzel said the donations would ensure no one missed out on celebrating Christmas.
“Can you imagine not having something to give your children to open on Christmas?” she said.
“This is to support those people who genuinely have to opt between having nothing or going into debt.
“And most people go into debt – that’s their gas or electricity bill money they use – and they’re paying it off for months.
“A donation isn’t a huge thing – we’re not saving lives but we’re helping families make memories on Christmas.
“No matter what’s going on in these families’ lives, the kids are none the wiser and that’s what’s important.”
Ms Beitzel said the charity was also looking for volunteer elves to help wrap the presents at the “Elf Factory” – with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce donating its office space – from December 15.
She said the charity was also thankful for the support of EnergyAustralia, which provided a grant to cover overhead costs and organised for two teams of staff to donate their time at the factory.
Details: elfsquad.com.au.
