Kids keen to give

BY RHIANNON HORRELL

Some of Auckland’s youngest Christmas fans are putting on their Santa hats for a good cause and are hoping others will follow their lead.

Today marks the start of the Auckland City Harbour News and Salvation Army Christmas Appeal – where toys, gifts and household items will be redistributed to needy families to brighten up their festive season.

New or near-new toys, toiletries and cans of food are being sought, which can be dropped off to any local Skids centre – Safe Kids in Daily Supervision.

Salvation Army Auckland community ministries director Caryn Daly says the appeal is about the spirit of generosity and the organisation will help about 400 families.

"It’s a really good resource for us partnering with people in the community. This generation of kids get that."

She says it is great children are keen to help others and adds that the organisation is seeing more working families appeal for help.

"This year will be more of a struggle because of the economic climate. This type of appeal gives an avenue to those who want to help but don’t know how to.

"We will make more than 800 hampers for families. Auckland is a great place, everybody can be caring."

She says it would be nice to honour families with new toys.

Skids helper Ruben Emmerson-Hiini plans to help sort out the donated toys.

"I like Star Wars and Lego Star Wars," says the eight-year-old, adding that other kids might like them too.

Seven-year-old Alex Du Plessis is hoping Santa will bring her earrings and a new phone and plans to get involved with Christmas activities at the centre.

Jessica Du Plessis, 12, would also like a phone but says the concept of redistributing gifts to needy children is a cool idea.

Skids co-ordinator Jenny Parsons notes that all the centres can use their pulling power for the appeal.

"It inspires the kids to donate and they love it. They enjoyed it last year."

She says the family-oriented business helps to give back to locals and advises that unwrapped gifts are best so Salvation Army staff can sort them out for various age groups.

"Each centre is competing to see who gets the most donations," she says.

The Auckland City Harbour News and the Salvation Army would also love other local businesses to get on board with the appeal – contact edcl@snl.co.nz to get involved.

Goods and gifts can be dropped to Skids centres at Balmoral School, Bayfield Primary School, Grey Lynn Primary School, Halsey Drive School, Hillsborough Primary School, Herne Bay Marist School, Mt Albert Primary School, Oranga School and Te Papapa School.

Items can also be dropped to the Auckland City Harbour News at 72 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden.

See www.skids.co.nz for other drop-off points or email the same address to have items collected if you cannot reach a Skids centre.

- © Fairfax NZ News