Around 4,700 presents have been donated to the Salvos Christmas Toy Drive this year, helping to bring some joy to those in need.
Organised by the Salvation Army and supported by Newcastle Permanent, the annual Salvos Christmas Toy Drive started accepting toys in late November.
The final Christmas gifts have now been officially loaded onto trucks, ready for distribution.
Thousands of presents were put under Christmas trees in Newcastle Permanent branches across the Hunter, Central Coast, Central West, New England, mid-North Coast and North Coast regions of NSW this year.
Salvation Army local area officer for the Hunter Major Mark Everitt said the presents would bring joy to struggling families after two years of COVID-19 impacts.
“Thanks to the Newcastle Permanent, other partners and the generosity of the community, the Salvos will this year distribute thousands of gifts and toys to families in need of a hand to ensure that no child goes without a present under the tree on Christmas Day,” Everitt said.
He said national research showed that 10.5M Australians were more stressed about their finances than last year.
– 13.8 per cent of Aussies are worried about being able to afford enough food to eat and 20.6 per cent are worried about paying their utilities.
– 83 per cent of households with children are worried that they cannot afford presents for their children
– 56 per cent are worried about not being able to afford a special Christmas Day meal
Salvation Army
Newcastle Permanent head of customer retail Jackie Connors said the response had been heartwarming and thanked community members for their generosity.
“People have been so generous, donating toys, books, sporting equipment, games, beauty and fashion accessories and gift vouchers at our branches,” Connors said.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who’s supported this great cause, including our Newcastle Permanent staff who volunteer to help pack and distribute the gifts.
“Newcastle Permanent has supported the toy drive for 33 years because Christmas should be about giving, joy and hope.”
If you haven’t donated but still want to give support, the Salvation Army is always taking donations. For more information, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 72 58.