Driving vans all over Sydney is all in a day's work for the four Moore College students collecting and delivering goods for Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker appeal this Christmas.

Over the past four weeks, Hayden Smith, Daniel Webster, Richard Hall and Stewart Playsted have been connecting Anglicare with local churches and communities.

Hayden (pictured on the right), a fourth year Moore student, says he has been amazed at the hard work of the Anglicare volunteers and those who donate the goods.

"I've really appreciated how much work goes into providing for people and I'm grateful for the volunteers," Hayden says.

Hayden says he is encouraged by Rosemeadow Anglican Church's efforts to connect with their community in South West Sydney through this Anglicare Appeal.

Located in the middle of Sydney's poorest suburbs, the church has seen its fair share of families struggling to make ends meet.

"Doorknocking is mostly going door-to-door saying, "we'll be around next week, and can you donate some money?'. But Rosemeadow are doing a doorknock, telling people they are going to come back and give them a hamper," Hayden says.

Mr Smith also says this helps people in the community to better appreciate the role of Anglicare.

"It's good because it helps people to connect Anglicare with their local church and real Christians in their area. Often people don't associate Anglicare with their local Anglican church," Hayden says.

Toys ‘n’ Tucker trekking brings silver linings

Daniel (pictured on the left), a third-year student at Moore, says he has enjoyed the unique opportunity to participate in Toys ‘n’ Tucker.

"I'm on holidays, so I don't get a chance to do this through the year. I like what Anglicare does " I think it's fantastic," Daniel says.

While hours behind the wheel can be hardgoing, Daniel says one pick-up was an unexpected blessing.

"I had to drive all the way down to Waterfall to pick up one basket of food. I expected it to be terrible and a waste of time, but it was wonderful. A small school had put together a basket of food," he says.

Daniel adds that this experience has made him more aware of how God cares for everyone.

"It reminded me of the fact that God's interested in the little things " he uses the weak-looking things," he reflects.

Daniel says driving the vans has helped him to understand better how Anglicare works at a grassroots level.

"I have enjoyed just seeing the Anglicare workers and how they serve, and I have been learning some of the Anglicare services that are available," Daniel said.

The Volunteer Coordinator for the Appeal, Felicia Fitzgerald, says that having the Moore students involved has been beneficial for everyone.

"It's been a bonus both ways " they learn more about what Anglicare does and Anglicare gets to know more about them," Felicia said.