Each year we place a Christmas Tree covered in gift tags in each Church. Parishioners are able to take a tag and donate the gift listed to the people supported by the Mary McKillop Outreach Centre. We call it our ‘Giving Tree‘. With COVID-19 still in play, it’s been a little challenging to figure out a way to support the Centre, whilst complying with the current public health guidelines…..but where there is a will, there is a way!

In both St Thomas and St Patricks you will find a Christmas Tree with a list of items that have been requested by the Centre. You have another two weeks to purchase one or more of the items listed.
On the very last weekend of November (Friday 27th to Sunday 29th inclusive) we will have an ‘open weekend’ where you are asked to return your gifts to the Church. It is important that all donations are returned on this weekend to enable us to have people on hand to assist with ushering and safe stowage of the donations. We are also aiming to avoid multiple handling of donations for hygiene reasons.
Below is a list of items for those that would like to get organised in advance. Any of these items would be considered suitable. A reminder that all donations must be NEW items please – no second hand items can be passed on and we don’t have the facilities to dispose of them.

For women:

• Toiletries – deodorant, perfume body wash
• Makeup and cosmetics (face wash and face creams etc)
• Accessories – jewellery, hats, purses, belts etc
• Clothing – size M, L and XL

For men:

• Toiletries – deodorant, shaving items, aftershave
• Accessories – belts, caps, wallets etc
• Clothing – size M, L and XL
• Sleepwear, boxer shorts, singlets etc

For everyone

• Toothbrush & toothpaste, mouthwash
• Small hand sanitiser bottles
• Soap and shampoo and conditioner
• Combs and brushes
• Christmas food and treats. Note that all food must be shop bought and in sealed packaging.
• Products suitable for Diabetics such as Digestive biscuits