Christmas will be just a little brighter for more than 100 families this year, thanks to the Centacare Annual Toy Drive appeal.   Sponsored by Toyworld and Curves, the 2015 drive aims to provide each child involved in a Centacare program with a toy for Christmas, where they otherwise may not have had the opportunity to experience the joys of the festive season.

Centacare co-ordinator of youth and family services Rachel Daniel said the cause has a tremendous impact across Ballarat.  “It’s all greatly appreciated,” Ms Daniel said.  “The families are very appreciative of what they get.”

Ms Daniel said last year’s initiative delivered more than 1000 toys, bringing smiles to the faces of more than 200 children.

To donate please purchase an age specific toy, select a name tag from one of the Centacare gift trees located at Toyworld Ballarat, Curves Sebastopol or Curves Wendouree and place your gift under the tree.  Donations will be accepted until December 14.

The appeal features a launch on Saturday, November 21 at Toyworld from 11am to 1pm, with festivities including a visit from Santa, a free barbecue and face painting.

For more information on donating and assisting this Christmas, please contact appeal coordinators, Keryn Monshing, Jenny Grima or Joanne Woodland on 5387 7900

Picture above: L-R: Keryn Monshing, Rachel Daniel, Joanne Woodland and Emma Donald at Curves in Sebastopol