I encourage everyone to help make Christmas a little merrier for local children and families in need by donating to my 2015 Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Due to their current financial circumstances, many families in our City and across the region don’t always get to experience the magic of Christmas, waking up to gifts from loved ones under their Christmas tree. By donating to my Christmas Toy Appeal, you can help ensure that no child in Lake Macquarie goes without a small gift under their tree this year.

Each week the Samaritans support over 250 families, and during the Christmas period, this need greatly increases.  Last year, Samaritan services supported over 5000 children at Christmas time.  The Combined Charities Christmas Toy Warehouse, Emergency Relief, Brighter Future and Supported Student Accommodation benefitted from the kindness of so many of our City’s generous residents.

To donate, simply bring an unwrapped gift to any Lake Macquarie Libraries branch before Friday, December 11, or Council’s Customer Service Centre at Speers Point before Friday 18 December.

Samaritans will distribute all donated toys to needy families in the Lake Macquarie area.

- Lake Macquarie Mayor,

Jodie Harrison

Nominations are now open for the 2015 Lake Macquarie Sports Awards, recognising exceptional sportspeople and hard-working administrators. Nominations are wanted from people who live in  Lake Macquarie for:

Nominations close on January 6, 2016. Call 4921 0238 or visit  lakemac.com.au/sportsawards for a form.