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 IT was an extra special Christmas for one Flagstone family this year thanks to the Jimboomba Times Christmas Appeal for Caddies.

Ten-year-old Rory Bereczky and his sister Lily Giddings, 8, received the surprise of their life when they were each given a brand new bicycle which had been donated to the appeal by Jimboomba Thunder Rugby League Club.

Their younger sister, two-year-old Ruby Giddings, did not miss out either as she received a new pink scooter to ride around on.

The children’s mother, Rayleen Bereczky, said she was happy her children had been given the bikes for Christmas as she would not have been able to afford them herself.

“I knew the kids were going to get the bikes but they didn’t so it was a big surprise,” she said.

“It’s a really beautiful gift for them to get and it means a lot.”

Ms Bereczky said it was hard being a single mother trying to buy Christmas presents for her children and she was grateful to everyone who donated to the appeal.

Rory said he had been wanting a bike for Christmas and was really happy he got one.

Both Rory and Lily said they were looking forward to doing lots of biking in the future.

Caddies food pantry coordinator Ray Connell said 162 hampers of gifts and food were distributed to families in the region last week, just in time for Christmas Day.

He said it meant a lot to families to receive these gifts, especially children, who otherwise might not receive much.

“You see the smiles on their faces. They are so thankful for the presents and the food, they really are,” he said.

“Some of the families this year have been really needy and you can tell because we have had a few break down and cry.

“It was hard work putting all of the hampers together but what makes it all worthwhile is seeing how appreciative people are of them and the difference it makes to their Christmas.”