In addition to the assistance provided to people experiencing poverty throughout the year, St Vincent de Paul volunteers have been working tirelessly to create Christmas food hampers and gift

assistance for those in the community who are experiencing hardship.

Newhaven College helped St Vinnies by collecting toys from the College and broader community under the Wardy's Newhaven College Christmas Tree.

Now residing in Blue Hills Residencies Retirement Village in Cranbourne, John Ward, the founder of the Christmas Tree, sent his greetings and special thanks.

"Thank you to all who have responded to the tree and kept a Newhaven College tradition going for another year."

Last week St Vincent de Paul volunteers, Mary Stack (President), Hess and Monica Bekema, Linda Sparkes and Cathy and Howard Jones visited the school to collect the donations.

They said 160 local families will be "the happy recipients of the gifts donated" and expressed their appreciation for the College and broader community. 

"We would like to thank all the community, businesses, charities and craft groups, including Rhyll Boomerang Bags and Newhaven College for their generous donations to our Christmas Giving tree.

"The gifts and donated goods enabled us to help families in San Remo/Cowes that required support during the Christmas period."

When clients of St Vincent de Paul come to collect their Christmas hampers, they can also select toys that are age appropriate for their children.

St Vincent de Paul also thanked Aldi Cowes and San Remo IGA for their generous contributions.

Newhaven College Principal, Mr Tony Corr said the college was pleased to support St Vincent de Paul on their Christmas toy collection each year.

"Our school community is very aware of the very important work that St Vincent de Paul do and understand that these donations can make such a significant difference to many children and families.

"We hope to continue to support St Vincent de Paul for many years to come."