Since Christmas the congregation has purchased $12000 in gift cards from Murray Goulburn Trading.
The money was donated by the NSW/ACT Uniting Church Moderator’s Drought Appeal and the Mansfield Uniting Church.
Accredited lay preacher/leader Myra Cowell said the gift cards were perfect for small purchases.
‘‘If the farmer needs to buy a garden hose, boots, gloves or a fire extinguisher then these cards mean they can buy those items,’’ Ms Cowell said.
‘‘We know the money can’t save the farm or crops affected by drought. I’m a retired farmer so I can sympathise with the farmers and we understand what they’re going through.
‘‘The moderator is always seeking donations during drought, floods or bushfires and they’ve donated $10000 since Christmas.
‘‘The Riverina sent volunteers to Mansfield to help rebuild fences after the Black Saturday bushfires, so they donated $2000 as a way of giving back.
‘‘We’ve received many letters of thanks from farmers since we’ve started doing this.
‘‘Unfortunately we’re not in a situation where we can receive applications from farmers for any more gift cards.’’
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