The Lifesource Church is celebrating the giving season this year by organising a toy drive to help give back.
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Church member Patrick Scott said it was an afternoon spent with his son that inspired the idea.
“I was sitting at home one afternoon just realising how much my son already had for Christmas, and the idea first started there,” Mr Scott said.
“Two weeks later I approached Pastor Samuel about this idea of trying to do it (toy drive) for the community and the kids.”
As part of creating a joyous Christmas season, the church will also hold a two-day barbecue between 10am and 2pm on December 8 and 9, where people can drop in for something to eat and to collect a Christmas toy.
For Pastor Samuel it was a chance to put into action a message that he had often extolled throughout the community.
“I’ve written articles about doing acts of kindness during this festive (season) and the idea really touched my heart because there are a lot of people who need love,” he said.
“During this season it’s a good gesture from the church to think about the people who are not having all the blessings that we have.”
The church’s acting secretary, Ray White, said it was important for the church to be a place that people could go to for help.
“We are a church that cares about not only the people in this church, but the wider community. We're very welcoming,” he said.
Church member Darren Syaranamual agrees that it’s a particular important time to be thinking about community needs.
“We know how much of a financial impact this year’s had upon everyone and we just want to give that one gesture of kindness,“ he said.
“We know people are doing it tough, especially ones that got affected by the floods and we just like to show them the love. Hopefully they’ll have better Christmas than they would normally.”
Anyone who would like to get involved by donating new or second-hand toys can get in touch with the church on 5480 6775 or pop in at 133 Sturt St, Echuca.