The Smith Family has called on the Manning community to help young Australians in need this Christmas.
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The charity will aim to raise $3.8 million nationally to assist more than 9,000 children with essential learning support and mentoring programs to help them catch up and keep up at school.
In NSW, the target is $1.5 million, which will help more than 3,700 students.
At the launch of the organisation’s annual Christmas appeal, The Smith Family ambassador Sarah Harris encouraged the community to bring joy to children this Christmas.
“I know what it’s like to miss out at Christmas and I also know the power of education to change young people’s lives.
“For these children, knowing that someone out there cares enough to not only ensure they have something to open on Christmas Day but can access the support they need to thrive at school in the new year is the best present they could ask for,” Ms Harris said.
The Smith Family is also calling on the community to donate new toys and books for 25,000 children through its sponsorship program.
These will be delivered with the help of hundreds of volunteers heading in to Christmas.
In NSW 3406 will be visited in December with 7366 children getting gift packs.
In total there will be more than 22,000 toys and more than 14,500 books handed out throughout the state.
The Smith Family’s NSW/ACT general manager Steve Macready said the organisation is thrilled many Australians are dedicated to lending at hand during the festive season.
“The Smith Family has its roots in Christmas giving and while the focus of our work has evolved to helping young people break the cycle of poverty through support for their education, we are proud to continue the tradition of delivering toys and books to children in need at Christmas,” Mr Macready said.
“I’ve seen firsthand over many years now the joy it brings to children who would otherwise be going without. We’re thrilled that so many generous Australians continue to get behind this effort to share their Christmas giving and help these children look forward to a better new year.”
You can help a child in need this Christmas by:
- Making a donation to help a child keep up at school through vital learning support and mentoring programs, such as reading programs and after-school learning clubs.
- Purchasing a toy or book through The Smith Family’s online charity gift shop for a child in need.
- Sponsoring a child to help them with their education over the long term.
- Volunteering your time, skills and energy to support The Smith Family’s work.
For more information, go to thesmithfamily.com.au/sharechristmas or call 1800 024 069.