| This Christmas (2023) thirty-two Businesses and the local community participated in our 3rd annual wishing tree project. Over 1,300 gifts for children ranging from 0-18yrs and $2,600 in gift cards were collected over November and early December from participating businesses and local donors. The dream of the project was to make Christmas brighter for Children and families doing it tough in our local area. Gift cards and presents were distributed through Anchor and the Lilydale Proactive Policing unit, with some donations also going to Dandenong Ranges Emergency relief service, Anglicare family services and Boorndawan William Aboriginal Healing Centre. Anchor was able to give every child accessing their services a gift – with the message that the gifts had come from people in their local community. The Lilydale Proactive Policing unit visited community housing, local caravan parks, individual families. Officers found the experience of bringing joy (with gifts) on their visits very positive and moving. | 
