A love of Christmas is prompting a Central Otago District councillor and mum of three to get behind a community toy swap this festive season.

Vincent Ward councillor and Vincent Community Board chair Tamah Alley said the idea was floated to her by WellSouth health promotion specialist Jo O’Connor at a leaders group meeting they both attended.

Tamah said she hopes the community will embrace the opportunity to support others.

“Times are pretty tough for many families at the moment.

“Many of us have quality toys or games that our kids have grown out of, or are no longer used. The opportunity to re-gift these is awesome for both the people donating and the people collecting toys,” Tamah said.

Tamah Alley is looking for help with a free community toy swap and wants to hear from people who can volunteer for a few hours. PHOTO: Supplied 

To contribute to the toy swap, residents can drop off quality used toys, games or bikes to gift to another child at the Baptist Church on Gregg St from 9am to 1pm on November 28, 29 or 30.  

Anyone can attend on Friday, December 1, from 11am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm, to collect gifts. 

Tamah said volunteers were needed to help receive the goods on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and then to help organise and sort gifts on the Friday for the two sessions.

“[People] can contact me directly, and I’ll have a roster. Even just helping for a couple of hours would be amazing.”

Tamah thanked Jo O’Connor, Vincent Community Board deputy chair Jayden Cromb for supporting the event and the Baptist Church for providing a venue.  

Contact Tamah on 027 662 2609 or email: [email protected].