Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle has launched the 2025 Blue Mountains Electorate Christmas Gift Appeal, partnering with Central Mountains Christmas Lunch Fund and DV West Women’s and Children's Refuge to collect gifts for those in need.  

With Christmas around the corner, many families are facing a challenging festive season, so Ms Doyle is hoping her regular gift collection will help spread some festive cheer for those doing it tough. 

In recent years hundreds of gifts have been received in her office foyer requiring multiple car trips to distribute them. 

"We know Christmas should be a time of joy for everyone,” Ms Doyle said. “I do this collection every year and some of them I deliver personally, so those in need know our community is thinking of them. 

“Perhaps when you are shopping for your own kids, drop an extra gift into your trolley and bring it into our office. It might help bring a little more cheer for a family, particularly those in a refuge this Christmas time. 

“It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, it could be a puzzle, a book, or a gift card for groceries, to help those in our community who are really struggling right now. 

“People right across the Mountains can do this and know it will go into the hands of a family that really needs help and really ease someone’s Christmas burden. 

“Hopefully we can make it even bigger this year, with more and more people in need,” Ms Doyle added. 

The drive is accepting donations of new toys, sporting goods, games, toiletries, gifts, gift vouchers and much more. Unwrapped gifts are preferred, but those wishing to wrap a gift should add a gift tag and identify what age it is appropriate for.  

Donations will be accepted until 5pm, Wednesday December 17. Donation collection point is the Blue Mountains Electorate Office, 5 Raymond Road, Springwood 02 4751 3298 Monday to Friday. 

Ms Doyle said those doing it tough or feeling socially isolated are welcome to attend the free Christmas Day lunch at the Kihilla Conference Centre at 5/17 Queens Road, Lawson on Christmas Day this year. Last year the lunch hosted more than 140 guests. 

If you are interested in helping at the event contact Chris Kelly on email: sawtry.cambs@gmail.com or call 0433 334166.