By Jessica Anstice
Cardinia Shire and Casey residents have an opportunity to help make Christmas more enjoyable for those doing it tough in the community.
Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) is urging people to get involved in a very special campaign they launched in the lead up to Christmas.
Residents can support those who need a little help over the festive period by donating non-perishable food items, toiletries and unwrapped toys to one of seven local charities through CCL’s ‘Deliver Joy’ campaign.
CCL have partnered with local charities and are collecting donations on their behalf.
Charity partners include, Cranbourne Information and Support Service, Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support, Hampton Park Community House, Casey North Community Information and Support Service, The Andrews Centre, Emerald Lions Club and The Salvation Army, Pakenham branch.
All donations will be distributed by the charities to the most vulnerable families across Cardinia and Casey.
Donations can be brought to any library between Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, including Cardinia Mobile Library.
The campaign also seeks financial support to keep the CCL Home Delivery Service running as a free program.
Residents are being encouraged to make any donation, big or small, to the free service, if possible.
“We are determined to finish 2020 on a high note,” CCL CEO Chris Buckingham said.
“Libraries are the beating heart of a caring community and we are encouraging our community to dig deep and help people in need.”
Deliver Joy runs from 4 November until 25 December.
All CCL libraries will accept non-perishable food with intact packaging and best before dates in 2020.
Christmas gifts and toiletries should be new and unwrapped.
People who have overdue items are welcome to return them and all will be forgiven.
CCL libraries are open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and the Cardinia Mobile Library is running its regular route, except Saturdays.
From Monday 9 November library opening hours and conditions will be increased.
