GOODSTART Early Learning day care centre on Archer Street is running a toy drive to deliver extra gifts to children who will be spending Christmas in the GV Health children’s ward.
In a year when charitable donations have been afflicted by Coronavirus fears, the drive will hopefully deliver an extra ounce of Christmas joy to kids who can’t be at home on the special day.
When you’re four year’s old, it’s fair to say you’re pleasantly on the receiving on when it comes to the flow of Christmas gifts, so educators at Goodstart are using the project to instil an attitude of giving and receiving among the youngest generation.
Ajana Jecs and Kirsty Simpson of Goodstart Early Learning are the ‘community connections champions’ behind the project.
They said the project was about getting the centre more involved in the community and set an example for children about community giving.
Parents of children are encouraged to donate presents, but so are members of the wider community who are welcome to drop of gifts to the Archer Street centre.
“It’s Christmas, so it’s also the perfect time for them to learn about giving and receiving,” Ajana said.
“We are taking small steps to teach them about giving and getting the kids involved in decorating the boxes so they have the opportunity to put the presents into the boxes.”
GV Health Children’s Ward unit manager, Paula Holland, said the toys would be much appreciated as they hadn’t received any other Christmas donations.
“It’s a fantastic fundraiser because we always have kids in hospital over Christmas. Generally, only the ones who are really sick and need to be there are there,” Paula said.
“The kids there love receiving some toys, and they have a visit from Santa on Christmas Day as well so that will be an opportunity to give out some extra gifts.
“It’s a great fundraiser for the Ward, and will make the kids’ Christmas.”
