Christmas is fast approaching and most young people are looking forward to the celebrations. However, not everyone is so fortunate.
To help improve this situation, the Blue Mountains Youth Council is running the community Christmas ‘Giving Tree’ this year.
“The community Christmas ‘Giving Tree’ empowers our community to come together and give to those in need,” said Blue Mountains Youth Councillor Delilah Scott.
“Everyone needs support at times,” added youth councillor Benjamin McGrory. “We hope people can help by donating gifts to help lift the spirits of young people doing it tough.”
The community Christmas ‘Giving Tree’ is located at Springwood Library. Residents, local businesses and organisations are invited to donate a gift by Friday, December 16. Those who donate may also like to add their names to a gift tag, which will be used to decorate the tree. Donations can also be delivered to council’s headquarters in Katoomba.
All donations received will go to the Platform Youth Services organisation, who support young people between the ages of 12-25, and will distribute the gifts to vulnerable young people in the Blue Mountains, Penrith and Hawkesbury areas.
Teenager-friendly Christmas gifts include music items such as iTunes vouchers or headphones; movie ticket vouchers; accessories like hair clips; or clothes such as t-shirts.
“The Blue Mountains Youth Council’s ‘Giving Tree’ is a good reminder about the true spirit of Christmas,” said Blue Mountains mayor, Mark Greenhill. “Ours is a generous and caring community and I encourage you to help young people in need to have a happier Christmas.”