Christmas gifts in shoe boxes
F
or the past 15 years, Carmel Clancy, a member of St. Therese Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Bathurst has done a tremendous job co-ordinating the arrangements for Christmas gifts in shoe boxes. These gifts are then distributed by the St. Vincent de Paul Conferences of the Evans Region.
hampers and gifts to families in their area. Carmel is assisted by her class of Year 1 students at Holy Family School with grouping presents into ages. They love to help and do a great job.
Carmel also co-ordinates the arrangements for the annual “Adopt a Family” Christmas Hampers in the During the year, Western Cathedral parish, Bathurst. Sydney Disability Services Preparations for organispurchase 100 special gifts ing the 100 hampers begin for all ages. The gifts are for Carmel in November individually wrapped and and during the first week beautifully presented in 100 of Advent, parishioners seshoe boxes. In November, a lect a tag from the gift tree. bus load of 15 of the group They then buy food items travel up from Sydney to visit and prepare a hamper for the members of St. Therese one family. The hampers Conference at the St. Vinare returned to the Church cent de Paul Cottage in a week before Christmas Keppel St, Bathurst. ready for distribution. Afternoon tea is provided Mary MacKillop students are and the gifts are left with also involved and pack at the members for distribuleast 12 of the 100 hampers. tion throughout the Evans The students also make a Region. generous donation of monCarmel contacts the seven ey they have raised to assist conferences and arranges families in need at Christfor the gifts they require to mas. be delivered in time for the distribution of Christmas The 100 hampers are distrib-
Carmel Clancy preparing Christmas hampers uted across Bathurst and St. Vincent de Paul memKelso by many willing help- bers and volunteers and the ers. parishioners of Bathurst. The good work that Carmel has co-ordinated so willing and efficiently for the past 15 years is very much appreciated by the Evans Region
Christine O’Mahony Evans Regional President St Vincent de Paul Society
CAIN | KENSIT | MESSENGER Solicitors & Attorneys Conveyancing | Wills & Estates Criminal | Commercial | Family Law Committed to providing you with superior legal services
6332 4711 101 William Street Bathurst ckmlaw.com.au
TIMoThy CAIN | JANE KENSIT Page 38 • Easter 2015 • C a t h o l i c O B S E R V E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t