It’s time to spread a little kindness and Christmas cheer for the many kids living in care in the community.
Kindness for Kids in Care works with the Department of Child Safety, the Queensland Police Service and other local community organisations to provide young people in the care system with material assistance that they may otherwise miss out on.
Their key initiative is the annual Christmas Toy Drive at Morayfield Shopping Centre, which provides more than 750 gifts to at-risk children in the foster care system, as well as kids who are living rough or identified as being at risk of domestic violence.
The toy drive was first started 15 years ago by Michelle Rigger from Caboolture Sports Club and Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan. The drive continued to grow bigger and bigger every year, so in 2022, Kindness for Kids in Care was established to provide an organisation framework around the drive and expand the spirit of giving to help kids in care in other ways.
Kindness for Kids in Care president Prue Aranovitch said it all started to make a change after hearing stories that kids in care didn’t receive any presents for Christmas.
“It’s about trying to make sure that no child in our community misses out enjoying Christmas, which is a holiday that is all about sharing and caring,” Prue said. “The community can help out by financial donations or going into Morayfield Shopping Centre where they can leave a donation in the big box placed at the food court.”
How the Community Can Help Spread Kindness
While donating a toy may not seem like much, it can mean the world to a child who isn’t expecting it.
“Hearing the stories shared by the child safety officers are very touching – kids know that the community cares about them,” Prue said. “Everybody in the community has been incredibly generous.
“Along with the amazing support we receive from the Caboolture Sports Club, Morayfield Shopping Centre and local member Mark Ryan, it’s wonderful to see that several organisations, such as Planet Fitness and World Gym are giving their members the opportunity to contribute toys as well. The idea has also been taken up by some government departments and a local community of over-50 living has also joined in.”
For further information follow Kindness for Kids in Care on Facebook or contact Prue on 0408 962 839.
Kindness for Kids in Care – Christmas Toy Drive
- Drop off new, unused toys to the giant present located near the food court
- Morayfield Shopping Centre
- Morayfield Road, Morayfield
Read more stories from The Caboolture Guide print magazine here:
- Creating a Space for Everyone: Centenary Lakes is Transforming
- P Weet-Bix Slice
- Sneak Peek Inside Dakabin’s $35M Hotel
- E4TS Christmas Party Welcomes Everyone
- Bust The Holiday Boredom
- Enjoy an Easy-Going Cycling Adventure on the Wamuran Rail Trail
- All Smiles and Positive Vibes for New Paediatrics Team
- Caboolture Connect
