by Mat Churchill

It's going to be a busy Christmas period for the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre. Not only are they planning four fantastic Christmas parties, but they are expecting to be in high demand for families in need of help during the festive season.

For the play group kids and their families, parties will be held on Tuesday 14, and Wednesday 15 December, and on Thursday 16 new parents can bring their bubs to share the joy with the big man in red himself.

Parties will commence at 10am and run through until noon, and parents are asked to bring a present for their child and a plate of food to share.

Friends, members, and supporters are invited to the Neighbourhood Centre Christmas Party on Friday 17 December from 6pm at the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club.

Volunteers will pay just $8 while $18 is the cover charge for other guests which can be paid to the Centre by this Friday.

And if you haven't yet run the gauntlet that is Christmas shopping, remember the Nic Nak Shed, particularly if ladies shoes are on your list of presents to buy. They're stocked with over 100 pairs of Italian shoes for just $10 a pair.

Nic Nak presents come with free positive Karma as all proceeds go back to the community.

Unfortunately there will be a number of people who will call on the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre for help, not only this month, but particularly early next year as Neighbourhood Centre Manager Mandy Stone notes.

"In January and February we have a large demand. This is when the bills come in," Ms Stone said.

"In 2009/10, around 12,500 people came through to use the various services offered by the Neighbourhood Centre, and 1,000 of those came for general support and assistance.

"350 people required emergency relief including food vouchers, medication vouchers, and material aid," she said.

Ms Stone urged people who are struggling, not only financially but emotionally as well to contact the Neighbourhood Centre for help.

"We are discreet. There's enough going on here for people not to know why you are here. If we can't sort the issue out we'll find someone who can.

"Most of us have been here a long time and there's always someone you can have a cup of tea with," she said. "My priority is to the members of the community."

If you would like to help the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, donations of food and gifts will be gratefully accepted.