The Salvation Army Urging Hunter Families to Dig Deep this Christmas

BY SARAH JAMES

The Salvation Army is calling upon the Hunter to give back this Christmas as part of their annual appeal, with local families doing it tougher than ever.

Research commissioned by the Salvation Army has revealed that approximately 1.6 million Australians are unable to afford presents this Christmas.

During the holiday season, the Salvation Army is aiming to help more than 300,000 people by serving 10 000 meals and giving around half a million gifts.

Salvation Army area officer Mark Everett says donations are desperately needed in order to meet the high demand.

For those looking to contribute to the cause, presents can be donated at any Newcastle Permanent Branch until the 20th of December.

Share the Dignity

BY MATT JOHNSTON

The festive season is a time for indulgence and spending time with friends and family. But tragically, incidences of domestic violence skyrocket at this time of year. And when women are forced to flee dangerous situations, important things are all-too-often left behind.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is calling on the community to support Share The Dignity's holiday campaign #It'sInTheBag. Women are encouraged to donate old (or new) handbags in reasonable condition, along with toiletries, to the charity.

Share The Dignity will then distribute the bags to local charities who help women in need. Ms Aitchison says when women are fleeing domestic violence or dangerous home situations, small but important things like shampoo or tissues are often forgotten.

"Coming up to Christmas it's usually a peak in numbers of domestic violence incidents. Often [the women] will just leave with perhaps their wallet and their keys and that's about it."

She says during this stressful time, mothers trying to look after their children and hold down their job can't afford to focus on the small items needed to stay comfortable and clean. This year, It's In The Bag needs shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and sanitary items.

 "This is just a small part everyone in the community can play in trying to help these women feel that they are cared for."

She says the items don't need to be expensive or fancy, and everything helps in making women feel " clean and comfortable and safe" and to help keep their dignity.

Drop-off locations for donations include Ms Aitchison's office 34 Church Street Maitland, or any Bunnings Warehouse. The full list and more information is available at the Share The Dignity website. The campaign is running until December 2nd.

Newcastle Permanent Donates Big

BY RACHEL STORER

The Newcastle Permanent is donating over $820,000 in grants.

The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation will donate more than $820,000 to community projects across regional NSW to support disadvantaged residents.

The grants will be spread from Ballina in the north, down to Gosford and out to Dubbo to 13 charities that will help provide vital programs to those who need it most.

Foundation Chairman, Phil Neat is particularly excited about the $186,000 donation to the John Hunter Hospital neonatal intensive care unit.

"It's to install 43 webcams in the baby rooms so that parents and relatives who live in remote areas can communicate with the baby during a prolonged stay in the hospital," he said.

The money will support community organisations to complete initiatives that may fall outside of government funding or corporate sponsorship such as Wigs and Kids and Wheelchair Sports NSW.

Library Calls for Donations in Christmas Fine Amnesty

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

In an act of Christmas charity, Newcastle City Library is encouraging book borrowers with late fees to make a donation of non-perishable food or toiletries.

The 'Food for Five, Toiletries for Ten' initiative is being run in libraries across Australia and the world, helping residents to clear their name of overdue library charges in exchange for assisting those less fortunate.

This is Newcastle City Library's first time running the initiative.

Local emergency relief agencies including Street Care, OzHarvest, the Samaritans and Baptist Care will distribute the goods to Newcastle residents in need this Christmas.

Non-perishable food donations are worth $5 in fines and toiletries are worth $10.

Patricia Annetts from Newcastle City Library says anyone can make a donation.

Donations can be made until the 12th of December.

Donations of non-perishable food or toiletries can be made at Newcastle City Library 

Hunter Women's Shelter Receives $5000 Donation

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

Maitland domestic violence and homelessness service Carrie's Place has received $5000 in donations from local businessman Guy McKendry.

The donations come in the form of gift vouchers, which clients will be able to exchange for important products for themselves and their children at Rutherford Amcal Pharmacy.

Carrie's Place CEO Jan McDonald says she is pleased with the generosity of the Maitland business community.

"This donation from Guy and his team will mean a lot to the women who use our service," Ms McDonald said.

"Often when our clients leave an abusive relationship they take limited personal products with them, and being able to replace those items is important."

Women's shelter Carrie's Place has received $5000 in donations