People across the Highlands are invited to bring festive joy to people in the region doing it tough, through this year's Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.
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The annual initiative, which is a partnership between the Salvation Army and Kmart, is in its 35th year.
The Salvation Army's captain and officer in charge in the Highlands Jake Horton, said there were many people who were reaching out for support for the first time, due to the rising costs of living and floods.
"There are people questioning if they can afford rent and mortgages for the first time," he said.
"We need to help everyone," said captain and officer in charge Erin Horton.
People can drop unwrapped gifts into the Bowral store until Christmas Eve, which will then be collected by The Salvation Army representatives to be distributed to those in need.
Gifts do not have to be purchased at Kmart and cannot be second-hand.
Kmart Wishing Tree champion Tonkin-Bondley said it was important for people to know gifts were for any age.
"It's important to know it's not just for kids, it's for adults too," she said.
"[We] find teens are left out more [as well]."
Gifts can include gift cards, school supplies, books, arts and crafts, headphones, educational toys, toiletries, and Bluetooth speakers.
Customers can donate to the appeal online or via QR codes in stores.
The appeal began in 1987, when a Kmart employee in Adelaide suggested the store partnered with different charities.
More than 10 million gifts have been distributed across Australia since then.
"It's really impressive that it's expanded and it's become a big thing now," Mrs Tonkin-Bondley said.
Mr and Mrs Horton encouraged people across the Highlands to reach out if they need help.
People can seek support from The Salvation Army store in Bowral by calling 4861 3912 and it is open seven days a week.
Support can also be accessed via the church.
The Bowral branch is arranging Christmas hampers to distribute to people, and Highlanders are welcome to donate items.
Items such as non-perishables, Christmas staples, toys, books and biscuits are welcome and can be dropped into the store.
Members of the community who would like a hamper can pick up a form and fill it in by December 9.
People across the region can also express their interest to volunteer to pack hampers for the not-for-profit organisation.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
