Corowa conference president, Roz Willett said the Corowa St Vincent de Paul Conference was the channel by which the hampers were prepared and distributed, but it was the generous donations from citizens that brought the program to fruition.
She said with a long history of support, Uncle Toby’s had continued their generosity by arranging the collection of palleted cereal packs, boxed snacks, and food bars for the hampers.
Corowa Lions Club provided a generous donation, including the Christmas cakes, and a variety of donated groceries were collected by Vinnies members from the Rotary sponsored IGA Christmas tree, and the Rutherglen IGA Giving Tree.
Food was donated by St Mary’s Corowa and St Brigid’s Howlong Catholic communities; an assortment of food was gifted by Corowa’s Inner Wheel, together with contributions from families of students at St Mary’s Primary, Corowa High, the Corowa and South Corowa Primary schools.
The Revamp Op Shop, run by St Andrews Presbyterian Church, gave another generous donation, while individuals, who wished to remain anonymous, provided cash donations, or assistance in other ways.
These funds helped bolster any food items in short supply, purchased by the conference hamper team.
Ginger-bread delicacies from Jan McKechnie topped each pack, and primary children nominated in any family received toys contributed from various sources including the Wahgunyah Football Club, Corowa Show Society, and Alan Robb.
“This is an achievement to be proud of, and only possible through the very generous consideration of so many; each contributor is entitled to be proud of their part in a combined effort of assisting so many within our society,” Ms Willett said.
“I would especially like to thank everyone for all the work put into the local hamper project; it has been a huge effort, and I really think the combined effort of the various communities has outdone all our expectations, not forgetting that some participants have continued their support over many years.
“The conference volunteers are very thankful to be working in conjunction with such generous community groups and wish to pass on the gratitude expressed by recipients on receiving their Christmas hamper.
“Thank you to all concerned.”
