Target and Uniting Care are once again calling on the community to join forces for Operation Santa in an effort to brighten Christmas for thousands of disadvantaged people throughout Australia.
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Through Operation Santa, shire residents can spread Christmas joy to people who may have otherwise gone without by generously donating gifts at the Parkes Target Country store or at stores throughout the land.
In Australia, it is estimated more than two million people, one in 10 of who are children, live in poverty.
Thousands of people request support services each day from Uniting care agencies and this demand always spikes at Christmas.
Operation Santa is seen as a great way for local people to help those within the community who are struggling for a variety of reasons.
A large “Operation Santa Tree” has been set up in the Parkes Target Country Store and all you need do to assist is take a gift tag from the tree and donate a present for someone in need.
You can also purchase gift cards from the Target Country check-out.
Mary Stuart, who is one of the hard working Uniting Care volunteers, praised the support given to the appeal by the management and staff of Target Country in Parkes.
“The willing, tireless and friendly effort of the store’s management and staff each year cannot be more valuable, praiseworthy and deserving of the deepest gratitude,” Mary said.
Target Managing Director Dene Rogers said Target Country is again proud to once again partner Uniting Care for Operation Santa.
“The appeal is celebrating its 21st year this Christmas and we are hopeful of our biggest response yet,” she said.
“With more than 300 stores across Australia, Target is part of so many local communities.
“We understand how great the need is, particularly at Christmas.
So we appreciate the amazing support of our customers and the incredible work done by uniting Care at this time of the year,” Dene said.
Last year through the generosity of so many Australians, 81,463 gifts and $149,590 in gift cards were donated and distributed.
This year’s `target’ is 100,000 gifts and $200,000 of gift cards.
Uniting Care representatives will collect the gifts which will be distributed with the Combined Churches Christmas hampers organised by the willing local St Vincent de Paul volunteers.
Operation Santa commenced last week and will run through to Sunday, December 23.
