“COMMUNITY spirit is at its best right here.”
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That was the agreed outcome from the representatives of Ulladulla district’s nine Salvation Army giving trees, which have helped more than 60 families have a happy Christmas this year.
Mollymook Golf Club, Mollymook Beach Bowling Club, NRMA Ulladulla, Conjola Ladies Bowling Club, First National Real Estate Ulladulla, Westpac, Ulladulla Medical Centre, the Rural Fire Service and Ulladulla Bunnings all erected giving trees in December open for donations.
The community showed overwhelming support for each tree, and trailer-loads full of gifts and food have been delivered to the Ulladulla Salvation Army.
Last Wednesday at 9am the Salvation Army store opened its doors for three days to help more than 60 families that were struggling to make this Christmas a happy one.
A room full of gifts was a sea of pink and blue and included dolls, trucks and games in all shapes and sizes, as well as plenty of stocking fillers, to name just a few.
There was even a table for the adults.
Another room was filled with food items, with some basic necessities as well as some Christmas treats for families to pick what they needed.
Salvation Army mission leader Jake Clanfield thanked the businesses and organisations that hosted the giving trees, as well as the community for its overwhelming support.
“It’s really encouraging for us to be the go-to for helping people out in the community,” he said.
“Because that is what we strive for at the Salvation Army, to help people out. And it is great for us to have been able to do this at Christmas time for the past eight years.”
Salvation Army volunteer Trudy Parker said it was a rewarding experience to be able to share a bit of Christmas spirit each year.
“Last year we had people in here crying their eyes out they were so thankful, so it’s nice to be able to help out,” she said.
“This year we also received a lot more gifts for teenagers, which was really helpful.”
The Ulladulla Salvation Army thanked all its volunteers, especially Patrick Rooney, who helped the centre every year.