This operation runs annually and Old Bar parishioners have been supporting it for many years.

Shoe boxes are filled with a range of new items, including toys, clothing and school requisites, and sent to a range of overseas countries where they are distributed to children who would not otherwise receive a Christmas gift and probably never have. Each child will only receive one of these gifts in their lifetime, such is the need for this program.

This year, gifts will be sent to places like Cambodia, Fiji, Malawi and Solomon Islands. Madagascar has been a past recipient also.

Thousands of volunteers in many countries work to check and pack boxes and prepare them for shipping.

The Old Bar Community Technology Centre (CTC) has been closed this past week due to COVID health orders but anticipates being open again soon.

When this happens, Tax Help will resume and the service has been provided for many years with our regular Tax Help volunteer, Belinda May, free of charge to low income earners.

If your appointment was for tomorrow, you will need to make a fresh appointment for one of the following Saturday mornings.

If your income is around $60,000 and is simple, Tax Help may be available for you. To ascertain your eligibility and make an appointment, ring the CTC on 6553 6677 between 10am and 4pm weekdays (after reopening) or call in at the CTC at 5/45 Old Bar Road next to Old Bar Take-away and pick up your information form. Phone messages are currently monitored daily or you can send an email to ctcoldbar@gmail.com.

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