General News
19 November, 2024
Goal of 1400 gifts for appeal
The time of giving has begun at Maryborough’s Kmart store with the official launch of this year’s Wishing Tree Appeal.
The annual gift donation campaign partners with the Salvation Army to provide presents for local families in need during the festive season and beyond.
Now in its 14th year locally, the store received around 1100 donations last year, almost double the gifts given in 2022.
According to duty manager Clair Willman, the shop is optimistic the community will surpass 2023’s mark this year.
“We were able to raise 1100 gifts last year and we are hoping to reach 1400 this year,” she said.
“It allows locals to be part of the community and help out the less fortunate.
“We like to make gifts that go beyond Christmas so gifts like books, arts and crafts, puzzles and board games, just to name a few are appropriate.
“We would appreciate it if residents donated gifts for older children as the Salvos often run out of gifts for teenagers.”
Running until Christmas Eve, the presents will be collected and wrapped up by the local Salvation Army who will distribute the donations.
“The Wishing Tree is an op-portunity for the community and Kmart to support those in need in our community,” Maryborough Salvation Army captain Amy Stobie said.
“Without the Wishing Tree, we wouldn’t be able to give all those who need presents on Christmas Day which a lot of people take for granted.
“The way that we celebrate Christmas is through giving and allowing people to experience that gift of joy in their own way.”
Ms Stobie said the appeal is one of the many ways local Salvos give back to the community during Christmas.
“We have a reverse advent calendar which instead of a normal advent calendar where you take a gift each day, you fill a box with items which we give out at Christmas Cheer,” she said.
“Christmas Cheer is our way of giving to those in need at Christmas, we give toys, food and Christmas hampers so people doing it tough can have a Christmas they can enjoy.”
Residents can donate by purchasing a gift, placing a tag on it and putting it under the wishing tree in-store, donating at registers, in-store collection boxes, scanning the QR code on the wishing tree, or visiting Kmart.com.au.