By Marcus Uhe
The Casey Cardinia Libraries are encouraging local residents to deliver joy to those in need this festive period by leaving donations at their local library.
Each library in the area has partnered with a charity or community group to receive donations of toys, non-perishable items and toiletries.
Casey Cardinia Libraries CEO Beth Luppino said that the Libraries are proud to work with local charity groups and support those in the community who need a helping hand.
“Our libraries are stronger and have more reach due to the incredible partners we work with,” Luppino said. “The organisations we are working with on Deliver Joy are, like Casey Cardinia Libraries, committed to making a real and positive difference in our community.”
“The Deliver Joy campaign is such a lovely way to give back – and easy! What could be simpler than dropping off a donation of non-perishables next time you pick up a book?
“If you are able, please support our collection this festive season and get food, toiletries and toys in the hands of people in need.”
The Bunjil Place Library in Narre Warren is teaming up with the Transit Outreach Service who provide food and support services from the Narre Warren Christian Church to the less-fortunate.
“At the moment what we’re doing is providing food support to about 300-400 families a week,” Transit Coordinator Pastor Keith Vethaak said.
“We get food from Ozharvest, Foodbank, Second Bite, they’re the three big ones. And then we get stuff from Coles and Woolworths, the Woolworths distribution centre”
Transit have had to alter their operations due to vaccine requirements for Covid-19, as they are unable to offer seated meals in groups settings.
“For seated service, they all have to be vaccinated,” Vethaak said.
“Unfortunately at the moment under the rules, it’s difficult for us to determine who’s vaccinated and who’s not. Most of the people who come, 50% wouldn’t have phones, or wouldn’t know what their vaccination status is, or probably haven’t been vaccinated.
“So we thought, rather than having to turn people away, we’ll wait until we open up again next year. Hopefully by then we can have everybody in together.”
To find your closest library to make a donation head to cclc.vic.gov.au/deliverjoy/
