Adopt a family for Christmas

THE Northern Star's Adopt-A-Family Christmas appeal is bringing joy to families in need these holidays, and the adopters couldn't be happier to be lending a helping hand.

The appeal is your chance to support these members of your local community in the true spirit of Christmas, donating presents, hampers of food, or anything to spread the Christmas joy to families dealing with financial hardship on the Northern Rivers.

Families have nominated for adoption by local charities St Vincent de Paul, Brighter Futures, Ballina District Community Services, Byron Community Centre, Mental Health Support Line, and Lismore Soup Kitchen.

Local woman Naomi Thompson and her family and friends have banded together for the third year to Adopt-a-Family this Christmas, spreading the seasonal joy among those in unfortunate financial situations.

"I just do it because I can. I know what Christmas is to my family and I'd be sad if someone missed out on that," she said.

"It's easy, it's affordable, and I enjoy it. The gratification that you get out of it is so rewarding."

Ms Thompson said for anyone who was thinking of going the Adopt-a-Family appeal, to "just do it."

"No one should be having a bad time at Christmas. It's a time when you shouldn't have to worry about those things."

To adopt a family, visit northernstar.com.au/adoptafamily, or contact one of the organizations involved directly.