The Australian Christian College have teamed up with the Singleton Salvation Army to help give the gift of joy and hope to local children and families affected by differing issues this Christmas.
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The school has pulled together a huge haul of donations to give to the Salvo's to furthermore be distributed to families in the local area to keep spirits high for everyone this festive season.
"For some of kids, Christmas Day is just like any other ordinary day so this initiative helps bring a sense of Joy and a sense of Hope to the families that are suffering from issues such as poverty," said Salvo's representative Emma Parry.
"It's the best feeling to be able to walk into someones life at a tough time and give them something that gives them a bit of hope."
Last year the Salvation Army were able to help over 130 local families during the festive season.
"I have lived in Singleton all my life and it wasn't until three years ago when I started working for the Singleton Salvation Army that I found out that there's actually lots of people and families suffering in our local area from different levels of poverty," said Emma.
Emma joined with fellow Salvo's Captain Peter Bennett, visited the school early Wednesday morning to collect the donations and explain to the students how the initiative will impact the community.
"We work with people from the lowest point in their life and provide ongoing support through until they are stable again and it is just the most rewarding feeling,"
"The sense of joy for a young child on Christmas Day will give them a sense of hope. What are children with out a sense of hope?," Emma explained to the students.
This year the school's festive spirits are based around 'A College Christmas', the gift of giving and hope.
Teacher Miss Eliza Kelly said the annual initiative helps students understand the importance of giving, joy and hope.
"It's great to have Emma and Peter visit the school because it makes it all real for the students," Miss Kelly said.
"It's really important for the students to understand that not everyone is as fortunate as we are and many children and families often go without presents under the tree,"
"It's not about the presents or gifts, it's the sense of hope and joy that comes with it for the whole family."
The Salvation Army are still seeking donations from the community. If you have something you would like to gift, donations can be dropped at the Singleton Salvation Army shop located between IGA and Ace Tyres Singleton.