Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) ‘Deliver Joy’ campaign lived up to expectations and helped make sure that locals who were doing it tough got a little help over the festive period. It also provided a welcome boost to the CCL Home Delivery Service, which helps get books and other library items to people who are not able to make it to the library in person.

Casey Cardinia residents have generously donated more than $10 000 worth of gifts, toiletries and non-perishable food items to the ‘Deliver Joy’ Appeal in the lead up to Christmas and dug deep with contributing more than $1 000 to the CCL Home Delivery Service.

CCL work with local charities and collect donations from the community, which are then distributed to people in need. CEO, Chris Buckingham said: “CCL love partnering with local charities, we are grateful for the generosity of many in our community. Together we really can make a difference in people’s lives.”

All donations have been distributed by the charities to the most vulnerable families in our community. The 7 charity partners are: Cranbourne Information & Support Service, Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support, Hampton Park Community House, Casey North Community Information & Support Service, The Andrews Centre, Emerald Lions Club and The Salvation Army (Pakenham branch).

Buckingham said: “We appreciated the opportunity to do something really positive for the community at the end what was a difficult year for many people. We were moved by the kindness of so many in our community and feel very grateful”.

“Deliver Joy is yet another example of how public libraries can contribute to stronger and more resilient communities. Libraries really do change lives”, concluded Buckingham.