For the past four Christmases, generous people from all corners of the shire have donated presents to the appeal.

We appreciate this year has been tough for many in our community, particularly in Tathra, and generosity has been called upon, and not found lacking, because of it.

However, for those able to, please consider stretching that love a little further as we again ask for presents to be distributed to the Bega Valley’s most disadvantaged kids and families.

From now until December 17, new and unwrapped toys and gifts suitable for boys and girls, tots to teenagers, can be left under the Christmas trees at both the Bega District News office in the Sapphire Marketplace, and the Merimbula News Weekly office on Monaro St (next to Rivers).

Donations will be passed along to the local branches of Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Mackillop Family Services for distribution to their clients in time for Christmas morning.

Help us once again bring smiles to so many faces across the region by giving gifts this Christmas.

We want to thank the Salvos, Vinnies, Mackillop for again helping in this cause, and also to the Sapphire Coast Ulysses Club for their gracious offer of assistance (more on this later).