The community has donated thousands of goods through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal, and a new initiative, Bless a Family this Christmas.

Bless a Family was introduced by Captain Richard Day and Major Gaye Day, with ten families chosen to receive toy and food hampers.

The Days were able to add another seven families to the list, however after receiving a phone call from Gunnedah business ACS Equip which offered to sponsor all 10 families. The call came from ACS owner Luke Woods just half an hour after the Namoi Valley Independent had posted an article on its website about the initiative.

Mr Woods said he and his wife, Kailynn, gathered the items over a number of weeks.

“[We] just wanted to give something back to the community,” he said.

“We’re a local business and we’ve had a good year in town.

“My wife and I have been in that position before where we’ve been on the receiving end, so we know what it feels like, so we wanted to give back when we could.”

Mrs Woods said it “made sense” to sponsor all of the families instead of a few.

“We know what our kids are getting [for Christmas] and know there are kids who might not get given anything at all, which is heart-breaking,” she said.

Major Day said the Salvos bus was full to the brim with food and toys when they picked up the hampers.

The Woods supplied each family with a large bag full of food and personal hygiene items, a large bag filled with toys, and a flexi tub full of extra food and heavier items.

“I didn’t expect one company to do all ten,” Major Day said.

“They did a great job and we really appreciate their help.”

Council’s Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal is now in its third year and was held in conjunction with the Library Food for Fines initiative which encouraged library members with library fines to donate food items instead of paying with money.

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was proud of the community and Council employees for getting behind the appeal.

“The work [the Salvation Army] do throughout the year is appreciated,” he said.

“It’s a great organisation that supports the entire community and the efforts of all should be recognised.”

Major Day said they could help more families because of the community’s help.

So far, $5000 in food vouchers, $3000 worth of toys and $1000 in food have been given, with more items still being distributed.