A collaboration between Mount Maunganui Lions and Tauranga City Libraries this month celebrates a decade of inspiring locals to give gifts to those in need in our communities.

This Christmas is the 10th anniversary of the first Make a Child Smile campaign – and once again the project is in full festive mode with gifts able up to given up to Monday, December 12.

Each year, the campaign seeks toy donations which are given out at a special dinner for local families in need. Families, identified with help of Plunket, are invited to attend the dinner and each child is given a toy carefully selected for them.

'That's why we generally request unwrapped gifts each year,” says Brenda Anderson of Mount Maunganui Lions. 'Knowing exactly what has been donated helps us to make sure the gifts find their way to the right recipient.”

Never forget

Amongst the many special experiences Brenda has had throughout her years organising the campaign, one stands out as a pertinent example of matching gift to child.

'I'll never forget one 12-year-old boy whose Christmas wish was for both a skateboard and a permanent family to love him.

'On the night of the community dinner, hosted at Arataki Community Centre, the boy indeed received the skateboard that he'd wished for, and his adoption to a wonderful foster family was confirmed.”

'I remember that story,” says Tauranga City Libraries marketing and creative coordinator Daniel Petersen. 'And I recognised the specific skateboard in question, one which was donated by a kind customer at Tauranga Library.”

'The skateboard was obviously a small feature of a big moment, but to consider that small way that we all helped contribute to a child's unforgettable Christmas moment overwhelmed me.”

The gifts make their way to a range of children and families in many different circumstances. While some families are in tight financial situations which threaten to make their Christmases non-events, others are comfortable financially, but experiencing immense medical challenges.

Humbling encounters

'I've had many humbling encounters with families throughout the years who don't outwardly appear to be in need,” says Brenda. 'I'd question to myself why Plunket had them on the gift list only to hear from them about their enormous struggles.

'Seeing how delighted they are to receive the gifts and getting to know their stories is very humbling.”

It's due to these diverse family situations that the public is encouraged to think creatively about the things they donate. 'We always strive to have everyone covered, so think books, movie vouchers for older kids, make-up kits, as well as the usual super soakers and Barbie dolls.”

Though this year's cut off is Monday, 12 December, Daniel and Brenda feel it's important to note that donations will be accepted well after that date.

'As always, we won't turn away gifts donated after the cut-off – they get happily stored away for a year, providing a good head start for next Christmas's gift drive.”

Donate!

Gift donations can be dropped to any Tauranga City Library from now until Monday, December 12.