It’s become all too easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas – from what presents we’re giving to who and what feast will lay before us on the Christmas lunch table.

But in Gunnedah, the true spirit of giving has prevailed. 

The Salvation Army’s Bless A Family this Christmas drive called on the community to donate gifts and non-perishable food items for local families in need.  

Within half an hour of the Namoi Valley Independent’s preview story being published, one local business answered the call in an overwhelming way.

ACS Equip rang the Days, the family spearheading the campaign, declaring it would sponsor all ten families.

So when other people rang up, the Days decided to get another seven families on board to be supported.

It meant 17 local families have been supported through Bless a Family. 

It’s an incredible response from our small, tight-knit community. 

For locals doing it tough in our region, Christmas can be a lonely time. 

They might be without family or be facing financial struggles.

But thanks to the generosity of Gunnedah, they have a reason to smile this Christmas. 

The shire also threw its support behind Gunnedah Shire Council’s Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal.

In conjunction with the appeal, the Shire Library’s ‘Food for Fines’ initiative invited library members who had incurred a library fine to instead place non-perishable food items under the Christmas Tree, with more than 300 items donated as part of the appeal.

Major Jamie Chaffey summed it up perfectly when he said: “Once again, the Gunnedah community has shown their generosity and compassion by getting behind the appeal, and it is inspiring to be part of such a caring community.”

It is heartwarming that our community can show their true colours and spirit of lending a helping hand amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

If you know of someone who is away from their family, a neighbour, the elderly, a colleague – invite them over to celebrate a season that is about giving.