A rural charity has stepped in to provide Christmas cheer to a drought-affected communities.
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On Monday, November 11, Aussie Helpers launched an appeal to raise 500 Christmas hampers.
The 'Make a Farmer's Christmas Special' appeal is designed to raise much-needed funds and goods for drought-affected farmers and their families across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Everyone in the community has the option to purchase hampers to the value of $50, $100 or $500, containing food for Christmas, toys, stock feed, visa cards to buy gifts, and other items.
Aussie Helpers CEO Tash Kocks said Australia's farmers continued to do it tough, and the charity was committed to supporting them through the drought.
"Christmas is supposed to be a time that's filled with happiness and joy, but for many of our farming families this time of year can be a very emotional and challenging one," Ms Kocks said.
"It's those same families who farm the food that we all look forward to at this time of year, so this Christmas we are encouraging Australians to remember and appreciate their hard work."
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Cattle and sheep farmers Katie and Justin O'Brien, from Tottenham, don't have any Christmas plans just yet.
The ongoing dry means they have no reliable income.
"All of our money goes into fodder and so at the end of the day we just have very little left in the tank," Mrs O'Brien said
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She said it would be nice to be able to do something special for the couple's two sons.
"They never ask for much and they work hard when they're at home, doing all their chores. They've even offered us their pocket money to help," Mrs O'Brien said.
Ms Kocks hopes people can dig deep this festive season to help farmers, like the O'Brien's .
"Even the smallest of donations will make a difference, so please dig deep this Christmas and donate to the 'Make a Farmer's Christmas Special' appeal to support our farmers in need this festive season," she said.
To find out more about the Aussie Helpers appeal visit aussiehelpers.org.au