‘Hugs and tears’ as Trundle community thanks Oakville Preschool, Oakville Public School for Christmas hampers

Elizabeth Sheridan, owner of Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, thanked the Hawkesbury community for their donations of non-perishable items and gifts for the hampers.

“We reached or I should say exceeded our goal thanks to the very generous Hawkesbury community especially Oakville and Pitt Town residents and Oakville Preschool family and friends,” Ms Sheridan said.

“It was heartwarming, completely rewarding and humbling. We were met with open arms and lots of tears from such grateful staff, parents and Trundle community members.

“Hugs were shared as well as stories of hardship and how much our delivery means to Trundle, not just for the goods delivered but for the love and sense of community with which each box was packed.

“Our visit included school tours, time spend in classrooms and spending time with the children to hear their personal experiences both good and bad.”

Trundle is a small farming community in central west NSW that is suffering terribly from the current drought crisis.

Oakville Preschool began helping the people of Trundle back in August after hearing on the news about their plight.

They sent non-perishable groceries along with letters and drawings from the children, and these were so well-received that they decided to help the community again.

Oakville resident and preschool parent Loren Hay who initiated the Christmas hamper drive said in November: “I love Christmas as do my kids but each year by donating to a charity I hope to show my kids that Christmas is not just about family and Santa, but about giving and helping others share that joy.”