THE Salvation Army is preparing to deliver the first Christmas hampers of the season to farming families suffering through the drought and the challenge has once again been set for Bendigo residents to join the Army of Angels. Salvos drought support worker Matt Tatti said the generosity of locals had been huge, with many people contributing throughout the year to the drought appeal. While the drought appeal has officially finished, locals can make a direct difference to the Christmas day of Bendigo’s rural neighbours through the Weekly’s Army of Angels appeal. Last year’s appeal saw hundreds of Christmas food items and gifts distributed to those who would otherwise have gone without. Matt said the children of those families were especially deserving of support. “While most children see the effects of the drought and realise their parents are under pressure, they’re trying to be normal,” he said. “However, there was one story this year about a child who didn’t even tell their family about the school camp because they didn’t want to burden their parents with the costs.” Mr Tatti said after working with the Salvos this year, not much surprised him about how dire the situation was for many in the rural communities ... except for their spirit. “I’m surprised at how the communities can band together in tough times to help themselves,” he said. He said wheat farmers who invested in sowing crops after the early rains this year were now only receiving 20 per cent of what those crops should have been worth. “I think everyone realises the follow-on effects of this. If the farmers can’t produce it will affect everyone in the towns in the long run.” Bendigo residents can help lighten the load of those families by donating gifts and Christmas foodstuffs. Gifts for all ages are required, from babies to mums and dads. Items can be left under the Army of Angels Christmas tree in the Bendigo Weekly office, 30 Bridge Street, or at the Salvation Army headquarters in Bramble Street.
