Waimarino police appeal for gifts

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 660, 29 October 1996, Page 1

Waimarino police appeal for gifts

The Waimarino Police Christmas Toy Appeal is under way once again, with co-ordinators hopeful of a similar response to last year's 'tremendous effort'. Around 200 new and pre-loved items were donated by local people during last year's appeal, with 52 youngsters benefiting from the donations. Co-ordinator Julie Nation said the response was "overwhelming - just brilliant for a first effort." The most difficult task, she said, was compiling the initial list of recipients. To do this, various community groups were approached, including Ohakune and Raetihi primary schools, Women' s Refuge,

Victim Support and other support organisations that work closely with the police. A number of Wanganui youngsters benefited from the Waimarino appeal also, after burglars stole a large number of donated toys from the Birthright Foundation's Wanganui office, with surplus toys deliverCd by Ohakune Police staff in time for distribution on Christmas Eve. Collection points for donated gifts are Ohakune New World Supermarket, the Raetihi Information Centre and the Ohakune Police Station, where gifts may be placed under the Christmas tree in the foyer. Gifts may be either wrapped or unwrapped, with wrapped items indicating the age and gender that the gift is best suited.