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STAFF WRITERS   CHRISTMAS hampers and toys have been distributed around Moe and district. The annual donation by the St Kiernan’s/Moe Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul saw 100 hampers delivered to local families, as well as more than 400 toys. Students from St Kieran’s Primary School, Moe helped fundraise to purchase toys. Each hamper contained a Christmas ham and other essential items, ensuring those less fortunate didn’t go without on Christmas day. Deliveries were made last Friday (December 19), necessitating a huge logistical undertaking by volunteers. Preparations began in October when food was purchased, toys collected and stored, hampers packed, and hours spent organising the finer details. Leaders: Moe Rotary Club Community Service Director, Ross Maxfield and St Vincent de Paul Moe Conference President, Sandra Demagistris with hampers ready for distribution. Photographs: Liam Durkin “We are deeply grateful to Alf and Stella Vella and the Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run for their incredible efforts in collecting and distributing toys for children in need,” St Vincent de Paul Moe Conference President, Sandra Demagistris said. “Their dedication ensured that many young faces will be smiling on Christmas morning. “A heartfelt thank you also goes to St Kieran’s and St Mary’s (Newborough) primary schools for their generous donations of toys and food. The kindness and compassion shown by their school communities made a meaningful difference to many local families. “We would also like to sincerely thank St Kieran’s and St Mary’s parishes for their outstanding support through the Giving Tree Appeal. The generosity of parishioners raised a significant amount.” Ms Demagistris also wished to acknowledge Inner Wheel Moe, who donated cinema tickets for older children, and Rotary Club Moe who supported the delivery of hampers. “Most importantly, we thank members of the Moe St Vincent de Paul Conference. Their tireless efforts packing hampers, sorting toys and distributing both food and gifts reflect the true meaning of Christmas: generosity, service and care for one another.”