FOR more than 37 years, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has been at the heart of Australian Christmas giving and this year the need is greater than ever.
Hundreds of thousands of families across the country are doing it tough and 760,000 children are living in poverty.
Kmart Salamander Bay store is inviting locals to help make a difference, starting with their annual Wishing Tree Appeal Launch Event on Sunday 10 November at 10:30am.
The Salvation Army will attend and Soldiers Point Primary School will perform.
There will be opportunities for photos and to learn how to get involved in spreading festive cheer to families in need.
As Australia’s largest and longest-running Christmas gift appeal, the Wishing Tree supports children, adults, seniors and families who might otherwise go without during the holidays and beyond.
Over the years, more than 14 million gifts have been distributed.
Contributing is simple. Presents do not need to be purchased at Kmart and can be left beneath the Wishing Tree in any store.
They should not be wrapped and second-hand items will not be accepted.
A Wishing Tree sticker should be placed on the gift.
A Salvation Army representative will collect the donations and oversee their distribution to those in need.
Helpful ideas for gifts include books, gift cards, sporting equipment, back to school supplies, arts and crafts, headphones, educational toys, toiletries and musical instruments
Cash donations can also be made in-store or online at kmartwishingtree.salvos.org.au.
Businesses and schools can download an information pack from the website to see the many ways they too can contribute.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
