THE financial pressures of Christmas will be a little easier for 20 families struggling to buy presents this year, with Moree Services Club donating $5000 to the LifeHouse Church Under the Tree initiative.

Under the Tree – being held in Moree for the second year – is supported by local communities, business houses and organisations, and the Lifehouse church community.

Moree Plains Shire Council in October donated $3000 to LifeHouse Care Pantry Moree to support the continuation of the Pantry Program, part of the Under the Tree initiative.

LifeHouse Pantry multi-site manager Kellie Small said Under the Tree eases the pressure for many struggling families.

“This is the second year we’ve run Under the Tree in Moree, and thanks to these great donations from Moree Services Club and Moree Plains Shire Council, we were able to purchase toys and gifts,” Kellie said.

(from left) LifeHouse Care leader, Nathan Hannaford, Moree Services Club president Gary Maidens, LifeHouse Moree Op-Shop manager, Casey Ryan, LifeHouse Pantry multi-site manager, Kellie Small and Moree Services Club manager, Rob Shields.

Moree LifeHouse Church also donated 60 toys to put under the tree this year.

“We have invited 20 families who have had a hard year to come along and collect some beautiful presents to help ease the burden over Christmas,” Kellie said.

“LifeHouse Church is very much behind Under the Tree, and so is the Moree community, but we could not have done it without the help of Moree Services Club and Moree Plains Shire Council.”

Lifehouse Moree Op-Shop manager, Casey Ryan, said Under the Tree is a joint effort between LifeHouse Church and LifeHouse Care Shop

“It’s about the Moree community helping the Moree community – locals for locals,” Casey said.

“We have Moree Services Club and Moree Plains Shire Council Community Grants committee to thank for helping LifeHouse Care work with our local community and give a helping hand to some of our struggling families.

“Events like this would not happen without their support and the support of the local community, and it’s this generosity that makes us all proud to be a part of LifeHouse,” she said.

Moree Services Club president Gary Maidens said Under the Tree is a great initiative.

“The Services Club was approached by Casey, who asked if we were interested in helping put some presents under the Christmas tree this year,” Gary said.

“As always, charity begins at home and we were only too happy to help.

“After I spoke to our club manager, Rob Shields and the board of directors, we were quite happy to come on board.

It’s great to help families that are doing it tough – the families that deserve it. That’s what we’re here for,” he said.