Christmas hamper packing begins at Food Relief NQ

Packing of 1,500 Christmas hampers for Townsville families in need has begun this week at Food Relief NQ for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal.

The annual appeal which aims to raise more than $100,000 this year, will help about 30 organisations to deliver food, gifts and vouchers to around 5,800 local people at Christmas.

Although the packing has begun with the help of volunteers, councillors and army personnel, Mayor Jenny Hill said many more donations were required from the public and local businesses to meet the demand.

"We’ve had terrific support so far, but we still need donations of non-perishable food items, toys, vouchers and cash donations to get us to our target," Cr Hill said.

"I urge residents to dig deep and assist the appeal to spread some cheer this Christmas to those families really doing it tough."

So far $34,000 cash has been raised, with food and gift donations trickling in.

Donations can be dropped off at council’s customer service centres on Walker St and Thuringowa Drv, and into the red bins in shopping centres and schools.

Tickets in the major prize draw of $10,000 cash are also still available. Tickets are $20 each with only 2200 on offer.

For more information visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au