Christmas 2020 is just over 4 weeks away. For most it is a time of celebration and a well earned holiday while for others it as a step closer to putting this extraordinary year behind them.

As a community we have the opportunity to help those that are not doing so well this year, whether it be through one or two children or the entire family.

Adopt-A-Family is a cause linked through local charities where you can purchase Christmas presents or vouchers to help families in need enjoy their festive season.

Sarah Phoenix is the Family Support Network Program Coordinator, she said Covid has been the cause of a drop in donations.

"There has been so much financial uncertainty because of COVID," Sarah Said, "there is job uncertainty and business uncertainty which has meant people are being more cautious than usual."

"Not only that but you have families being put under more stress with the local housing crisis and an increase in unemployment."

Sarah gave the example of a single mother with three children who has had to vacate her rented property again because it has been put up for sale. "This is the third time in twelve months and it is difficult to find an affordable house big enough to accomodate her family," Sarah added, "It places a great deal of stress on the mother as well as her children."

"The donations people make takes away some financial stress as well as showing them that people do care and want the best for them."

Michelle Santin is another volunteer working for the Family Support Network, "There is no value to what people can donate, whatever people can give is fabulous," Michelle said.

"While toys are the usual gift and much appreciated, it could be vouchers for our pools, the cinema, a lunch out or swimming lessons, art classes. Whatever people feel will bring enjoyment to one child or an entire family."

All gift donations need to be at the charities by Monday December 7.

Ages vary from 1 to 18 and involve everything from 1 child boy and girl to a family of five or six. The graphic from the Northern Rivers Times gives you a feeling of the size of the task ahead for Adopt-A-Family 2020.

Locally, the groups involved and the contact names, numbers and addresses are:

• Family Support Network: Michelle Santin - (02) 6621 2489 - 30 Wyrallah Road, East Lismore
• CASPA: Elise Taylor 0490 073 587 - 180 Molesworth Street, Lismore
• Community Gateway: (02) 6621 7397 - 76 Carrington Street, Lismore

You can call for an exact match to a child or family or purchase your gift and drop it off to the charity itself.