Local police are appealing for community assistance to support young patients spending the Christmas holiday season at Albury Hospital this year.
Police are asking members of the community to dig deep and donate toys and other items to the Children’s Ward at Albury Base Hospital, which will be gifted to young patients on Christmas Day.
Any remaining gifts will be saved and donated to children throughout the year to brighten the day of any young person going through a difficult time.
Earlier today (Monday 8 November 2021) officers from Murray River Police District today launched the 2021 Christmas appeal in conjunction with Albury Wodonga Health.
Murray River Police District, Sergeant Troy Martin, said the appeal is a great opportunity for local police to work together with health services to support kids in need.
“Christmas is a time for people to come together, and if we can brighten the day of sick children – especially after what we’ve all been through with the pandemic and lockdowns – then I think it’s a job well done,” Sgt Martin said.
“Our officers will be there on Christmas Day to show support to children who are going through a hard time, and we encourage the community to get involved and help out by providing small gifts.”
Nursing Unit Manager Children’s Ward, Ms Samantha Peet, said Albury Wodonga Health is incredibly grateful for the support of the community and local police.
“It has been a really hard year for so many in our community and the toy appeal brings so much joy to the kids in the children’s ward, their families and our staff at Christmas time,” Ms Peet said.
“We wish to extend our sincere thanks to everybody who donates to this very special appeal.”
Gifts can be donated until Monday 20 December 2021 at Albury Police Station and will be presented to children in the ward by police officers on Christmas Day.
Suggested gifts include travel or memory games, card packs, Mini LOL dolls, small lego packs, craft packs, friendship bands, decorations, colouring in packs and pencils, soccer or basketballs, playdough, activity books, sticker books, mindfulness colouring books, board games, Lynx packs for teenagers, $20 iTunes vouchers or movie tickets.
The hospital has requested that any gift be new and left unwrapped to allow for the most age-appropriate and suitable gift to be given out to each child.
