Northern rivers residents have donated more than 600 Christmas hampers for farmers out west struggling against drought.
Eltham resident Anne Thomspon, organiser of the North Coast Drought Appeal, has been organizing the hampers over the last 21 years.
Ms Thompson said the Masonic Hall at Eltham was ‘like Santa’s Wonderland’ with more than 400 hampers already packed, with another 200 to be filled during the next week.
As well as the hampers, boxes of gift-wrapped toys and presents will also be sent to farming families.
Mr Thompson said the response from the region had been overwhelming. ‘Packing will continue today and right up until next Friday and another 150 – 200 or so hampers are expected to be filled in the next week,’ she said.
‘A small and changing team of volunteers come each day to do what is needed – from unloading, sorting and packing, to gift wrapping and filling Christmas bags with toiletries and laundry products.
On Saturday morning 5th December The Clunes RFS will be loading the boxes onto approximately 14 pallets.
She said Richmond Sand and Gravel had offered the use of a forklift, and the shrink-wrapped pallets would be loaded onto trucks supplied by Wizz Couriers as agents for Tamex who will once again freight all the boxes out to areas around Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, North Coonamble, Pilliga Come-by-Chance and Mungindi.
Mrs Thompson said she has received hundreds of thankyou cards and letters during the past 21 years.
‘It really lifts their spirits and provides a little joy at Christmas time.’
