Local residents were in the spirit of giving this festive season, raising thousands as part of Casey Cardinia Libraries Deliver Joy Christmas Campaign.
The campaign, which encouraged library goers to donate non-perishable food, toys and toiletries throughout November and December, raised over $10,000 in donations.
Library members with damaged or lost items were also invited to donate a small amount of money in exchange for a waiver of charges – adding $5000 to the donation pool.
The donated goods were divided between seven organisations across the South East, including Transit Outreach Service, Community Information and Support Cranbourne, Casey North Community Information and Support Service (CNCISS), Emerald Lions Club, the Andrews Centre, Hampton Park Community House, and The Salvation Army.
Donations from the Doveton Library played a vital role in CNCISS’ Christmas program, according to program manger Julie Leonidas.
“We rely solely on donations for our Christmas program, which distributes Christmas hampers and toys to local families in need, so the donations we received from the Doveton Library really helped in that way,” she said.
Donations from community organisations like CCL allowed CNCISS to support about 350 families with toys and hampers this festive season, Ms Leonidas said.
Casey Cardinia Libraries chief executive Beth Luppino said the corporation was thrilled to assist local not-for-profits through the fundraiser.
“We have been running ‘Deliver Joy’ at our libraries for many years now and it continues to generate vital support for families in need,” she said.
“We are really happy to continue to be a central point of collection, passing on the goods and money received to our charity partners in the local area – making Christmas a little brighter for families doing it tough.
“Library members demonstrate support and compassion for families in need every year through this campaign and we are so grateful for their continued generosity.
“Our members understand that public libraries exist for the benefit of everyone regardless of economic or demographic position. I think this is why the campaign is so well supported by our members every year.”
