4Cs administration manager Sue Friend, pictured with Target staff Margaret and Alanna, is urging residents to put toys under the Pakenham store’s Christmas tree. Picture: Stewart Chambers.PAKENHAM’S food bank is urging locals to put a present under Target’s Christmas tree to ensure every child living in the area has something to open on that special day in December.
4Cs coordinator Jeni Mathieson said more presents were needed to put in hampers the service sent out to those in need of a helping hand during the festive season.
She said residents could simply place a present of their own choosing in a basket at the bottom of the tree out the front of Target or could take a tag off the tree, which lists the age and sex of a child to buy for.
Ms Mathieson said all presents would go to children living in the Cardinia Shire.
4Cs administration manager Sue Friend said the food bank had received more than 100 requests for hampers so far and needed enough toys to fill them.
She said anyone who thought they may come up short during the festive season should consider registering.
“There’s a huge demand out there and we again would like to urge anyone who needs a hamper to come in and register,” she said.
“This is the busiest Christmas we’ve had. I’d say it’s up about at least 10 per cent on last Christmas.”
