The Christmas spirit was well and truly alive in Singleton on Christmas Day with 82 family hampers and 162 individual gifts were given out at Samaritans EXPRESS Christmas Lunch and Gift PICK UP. Guests collected food and beverage hampers and gifts from the Senior Citizens Centre on Christmas Day supported by 20 volunteers.
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"At Samaritans, we go the extra mile at Christmas time. This year we created a COVID-complaint event of hamper ad gift collection to still be able to deliver much-needed Christmas cheer whilst keeping the community safe. This EXPRESS Lunch ensured people who might be unable to celebrate Christmas are included in the joy and festivities of the season. We did this by partnering with local people to make it all happen," Event Coordinator, Kim-Cherie Davidson said.
Christmas is a time no one should feel alone, and Samaritans EXPRESS Christmas Lunch and Gift PICK UP was the way to spread festive cheer across Singleton and surrounds in these unprecedented times.
"We're so grateful for the support from the local parish, keen volunteers, sponsors and supporters who ensured that the day was a great success for people who may not otherwise have been able to enjoy Christmas Day. Our guests were delighted with their food and beverage hampers, gift hampers, Christmas sparkle and cheer spread by our volunteers," Ms Davidson said.
This year, the Christmas EXPRESS Lunch and Gift PICK UP was due to major sponsors Mt Owen Glendell Operations - Gelncore, Yancoal - Mt Thorley Warkworth and event partners The Bloomfield Group, Club Singleton, Thiess and Singleton Council.
"This event is only possible with the generosity of locals getting in to support those who need it at Christmas. There was so much giving right up to Christmas Day. We are thankful for the support of volunteers who willingly distributed the hampers, assisted with set up, pack down and much more - it really was a wonderful day for everyone thanks to the efforts of all involved."
Samaritans will return in 2021 for Christmas Lunch and will continue to provide support to the community throughout the year with various other outreach programs. Go to samaritans.org.au to find out more.