It was a frenzy of Christmas spirit at YMCA Springfield Lakes last month as staff and volunteers organised thousands of donated gifts for needy families and children.
The 2023 YMCA Springfield Christmas Appeal involved collecting, sorting, and dating items, bundling hampers, and wrapping presents over a seven-day period.
Centre Coordinator at YMCA Springfield Lakes, Alison Clark, thanked the Springfield community for their generous support and donations.
“Through the community’s kindness we have gathered over 3,000 food items, 407 gifts, and 180 toiletry items, enabling us to extend a helping hand to more than 90 families in the Springfield region,” Alison said.
Additional gifts were sent to the Springfield Child Safety Service Centre to help kids in foster care this Christmas.
For the hampers, the YMCA Craft Group sewed 150 Christmas stockings over a four-week period, and the Springfield Scouts Joeys group made hand-made cards.
The Christmas Appeal has been running since 2019 when YMCA Springfield Lakes first partnered with nearby Springfield Lakes State School to deliver hampers and toys to the local community.
Local partnerships
This year, Springfield Lakes State School collected over 2,500 food items in a one-day collection drive.
The YMCA team also placed a donation trolley at the IGA Springfield Lakes entrance during the collection period. Ray White Brookwater, Bolton Group Real Estate, and Aveo Retirement Village offered additional collection locations for food and toy donations.
“Our aim in partnering with the local organisations is to foster a great sense of community, whilst inspiring children and families in our community to openly give and care for those less fortunate than themselves,” Alison explained.
“We receive referrals from local organisations, including schools, early education centres, real estates, and government agencies that are working directly with families who are struggling.
“The collective effort and community spirit displayed in this initiative embodies the true essence of the season, bringing joy and support to those in need.”
The contributions have made a significant impact, spreading warmth and holiday cheer through our community, Alison said.
“This aligns with our vision of creating happy, connected and thriving communities. YMCA Springfield Lakes Community Centre provides an inclusive and respectful place for people to connect, belong, participate and be supported.”
For more information about YMCA Springfield Lakes or other local YMCAs, check out their Facebook page or visit the YMCA Queensland website here.
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