With more families than ever facing challenges to put presents under the tree, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank are calling on the community to spread some extra cheer by donating a gift to their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal.
Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel of The Salvation Army said he was expecting need within the community to be high again this year.
“Last year more than 7,000 gifts were donated at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches across regional NSW and Queensland, and we are hoping to see that number increase again this year,” he said.
“We are already seeing that there is a need for our support this Christmas – families are doing it tough, and you never know when you might need a helping hand from the Salvos.”
Muendel said gifts for babies and teenagers continued to be of the greatest need.
“If you would like to donate and are looking for suggestions, we recommend toys, books and games for younger children and gift vouchers, sports equipment and beauty products for teenagers.
“A gift voucher is such an empowering gift for teenagers to receive because it gives them the freedom to choose something special for themselves.
“Your donation may be the only gift a child receives on Christmas morning, so we hope to bring a smile to their face as they unwrap their present.”
Central Coast mum Kristi-Marree has received support from The Salvation Army in the past and said if not for The Salvos there wouldn’t have been any presents under the tree.
“I found out about the support the Salvos offer at Christmas time not long after I had left a relationship due to domestic violence,” she said.
“The Salvos were incredibly generous and left me feeling very grateful, relieved and blessed.”
Kristi-Maree now volunteers each year with the Salvos to give gifts to children.
“It’s a huge blessing to be able to give back to my community,” she said.
NGM Group Head of Community and Sustainability, Kirrah McClelland, said the customer-owned organisation supported The Salvation Army in more ways than one at Christmas time.
“Along with collecting for our Toy Drive, our people will be volunteering their time at the Salvos warehouse to sort all the generous gifts,” she said.
“Last year, we had more than 130 of our people lend a helping hand.
“Christmas is about giving and being kind to one another, so we are honoured to support the Salvos each year to help ensure every child can experience the joy of opening a present on Christmas morning.”
Donations can be made at any Newcastle Permanent or Greater Bank branch until Friday, December 13.
Gifts should be new and unwrapped and are accepted for all ages, including teenagers.