In the lead up to Christmas, Rotarians are out and about to make sure those in need have a merry Christmas.
Trees of Joy have been installed in local shopping centres so people can donate gifts for those in need.
It is requested that gifts not be wrapped (popping them in a gift bag is appreciated) and that no food be included.
The Trees of Joy are at Warriewood, Dee Why Grand, Stocklands at Balgowlah and lots around the Forest/Belrose area.
“We started our Tree of Joy in Dee Why this week, and already people are dropping presents to us,” said Ruth Vumbaca from Warringah Rotary.
“It is lovely to see parents bringing their children to drop a gift. What a great way to teach children to think of others.
“Those on the Northern Beaches are always very generous at Christmas.
“We know many are tightening their belts this year, but they still have in mind that there are those in greater need.
“We encourage people to donate early as this helps with distributing the gifts.
“Our first gifts will be delivered to rural New South Wales later this week, while those received closer to Christmas will go via local charities.”
There is also a bumper Christmas treats raffle at Dee Why Grand, which will be drawn on 15 December.
The Rotary Club of Belrose has 14 trees – the most visible are at Glenrose Shopping Centre, Forest Way and two in Forestville Shopping Centre.
The Rotary Club of Belrose also hosts one of the most popular Northern Beaches Christmas activities – the fabulous Borgnis Street Christmas lights is Davidson.
Due to kick off on 3 December, the lights attract thousands of visitors who give generously to support Bear Cottage.
The lights will be on between 7.30pm and 10pm each night until Christmas Eve.
As well as Rotarians, students from Davidson, Forest and Killarney Heights High School man the buckets and card machines.
The Borgnis Street lights have raised more than $600,000 over the years for Bear Cottage, helping the families there manage a difficult time in their lives.
Everyone is hoping that visitors will be generous again this year.
