Layel (10), Malak (8) and Noor (11) will experience some Christmas joy thanks to the generosity of the Smith Family and donors.
Camera IconLayel (10), Malak (8) and Noor (11) will experience some Christmas joy thanks to the generosity of the Smith Family and donors. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie        www.communitypix.com.au d447029

Smith Family’s appeal shares the christmas spirit

Caitlin TillerEastern Reporter

The organisation supports children with educational assistance and collects gifts through donations to distribute to families at Christmas.

Nollamara resident Jamelah said the Smith Family had helped to support her daughters for nine years.

“For some families, their kids say ‘I want this, I want this’ for Christmas, but not these girls,” she said. “They say they don’t need those things and they want to put their money in the bank.”

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Originally from Lebanon, Jamelah and her family have been living in Perth for 12 years. She said her family’s Christmas tradition was to take a picnic to a local park with extended family for their festive celebrations.

Malak (8) said putting up the Christmas tree was her favourite part of the holiday.

“Maybe one or two of us will put up the tree and the others will do the decorations,” she said. “We also have coloured lights we’re going to put up on the roof.”

Malak said she was excited for new books because she loved reading but a Monopoly game was one of the best presents she had received.

Smith Family chief executive Lorna Woodley said Christmas could be an isolating experience and a reminder of what set kids apart from their friends.

“All children should be able to share in the festivities of Christmas, but this is not the reality for the thousands of children across Australia in families who are struggling financially,” Ms Woodley said.

“This is a simple way to help them to feel included in the joys of Christmas.”