Santa’s Helpers

North Melbourne police officers will be spreading the Christmas spirit this year with their annual toy drive to support the families of seriously ill children.

This is the 14th year of the appeal whereby the North Melbourne police in conjunction with Melbourne North Police Community Consultative Committee invite the community to donate new (or near new) toys/books as well as non-perishable food for those less fortunate.

Donations are then distributed by police members to support agencies in the area such as The Venny children support service in Kensington, Ronald McDonald house in Parkville and Church of All Nations in Carlton.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us as police to help out the community in a way many people wouldn’t expect us to” says Leading Senior Constable Nick Parissis.

“It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to hand out the donated item and see the joy on someone’s face as they receive their gifts”

Anyone who would like to donate to the worthy cause can do so by delivering to Melbourne North Police Station at 36 Wreckyn Street, North Melbourne, or one of the following collection points.

Carlton:

Bank of Melbourne – 310 Lygon Street, Carlton

Bendigo Bank – 186 Lygon Street, Carlton

Kathleen Syme Community Centre – 251 Faraday Street, Carlton

Commonwealth Bank – 259 Lygon Street, Carlton

Kensington:

Newton Pharmacy – 477 Macauley Road, Kensington

North Melbourne:

Commonwealth Bank – 53 Errol Street, North Melbourne

Westpac – 55 Errol Street, North Melbourne

Docklands:

The Knowledge Market – Shop 8-10, 892 Bourke Street, Docklands

Items can be donated now through to 18 December.

Police will attend Ronald McDonald house on Christmas Eve at 1pm to visit families and distribute some of the donations.

Sergeant Anthoula Moutis

Media Officer

19007/2016