While Christmas is a joyous time for many, there are others in our community who struggle through the festive season.

Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti believes Christmas is a great time to consider the less fortunate in our community.

‘Not everyone has money to spare at Christmas time and some just have trouble making ends meet, but with a small donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal you can make a difference to people and families in need.

‘Drop cash into the donation tins at any of our customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848.

‘Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

‘Get the family or workplace together to make a joint donation.

‘Donations will be used to provide food vouchers to people in need in our community.

‘These will be distributed by emergency relief agencies — Better Together Community Support, Eacham Community Health Organisation (ECHO), St Vincent de Paul Society in Atherton and Ravenshoe, Salvation Army and Ravenshoe Community Centre.

‘You can also drop off non-perishable food items to these organisations:

• Better Together Community Support — 38 Mabel Street, Atherton.
• ECHO — 3 English Street, Malanda. 9am–4.30 Monday to Friday.
• Ravenshoe Community Centre — 3 Bolton Street, Ravenshoe.
• St Vincent de Paul Society — Railway Lane, Atherton. 9am–11am Monday and Wednesday.
• St Vincent de Paul Society — 72 Grigg Street, Ravenshoe. 9am–2pm Monday to Friday.
• Salvation Army — 89 Kennedy Highway, Tolga. Also accepting donations of new toys (not handmade) for children up to 12 years. 9am–2.45pm Monday to Friday.
• Salvation Army — Grace Street, Herberton. 9am–2pm Monday to Friday.

‘A simple gesture can make all the difference to a struggling person or family,” said Mayor Marti.