Helping Local Kids Through Tough Times
Local Newcastle father Todd Sheldon has made it his mission to give disadvantaged children a reason to smile, launching the seventh annual Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive. A community initiative, the drive was established to provide gifts and toys to children, their parents and carers impacted by the effects of domestic and family violence, homelessness, illness and injury.
The idea for the annual Toy and Gift Drive came about in 2016 after Mr Sheldon, his wife Penny, son Lachlan and other close family members donated wrapped gifts to the local Reading Cinemas Maitland Wishing Tree appeal to support struggling families during the festive season.
"From there, the annual Toy and Gift Drive was born, with the aim of engaging friends and family and the wider community to support us, and in turn, we support community organisations," said Todd.
The donated toys and gifts are provided to local charities and organisations such as The Backpack Venture, Got Your Back Sister, Early Links, Maitland Neighbourhood Centre, Carrie's Place, Jenny's Place and The Farmer's Run.
"The organisations supply us with a basic list including estimated age ranges and gift requirements for parents. We don't find out names; we don't know anything about the recipients from the lists we are given from various charitable organisations," said Todd.
It is no surprise that Mr Sheldon is focused on helping those in need, having faced many hardships during his childhood.
"Growing up as a child, we saw Mum work two and three jobs. It was a hard life that meant that I had to look after my little brother at night whilst Mum worked. I was not afforded a childhood like other kids. We saw things happen to Mum that no child should see happen," said Todd.
"This is one reason our main focus has always been families affected by domestic and family violence, and this will always be very important."
The importance of Todd's mother was brought to the fore in 2021 when the Toy and Gift Drive was renamed the Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive in her honour after she lost her battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The Sheldon family's inspiring story reminds many to be compassionate and the importance of making a difference in the community.
For more information about donating or sponsoring and the complete list of donation drop-off locations, please visit www.susanroskelltoyandgiftdrive.org or Facebook www.facebook.com/2022SusanRoskellToyandGiftDrive
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