With donations set to close soon, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank are calling the community to help share the magic of Christmas contributing to their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal.
A 36-year-old tradition between The Salvation Army and Newcastle Permanent, the annual Toy Drive provides thousands of gifts to children and families in need each year.
Despite many donations already received from the community, there are still hundreds of families in need this Christmas.
This year, hundreds of Barbies, LEGO sets, and sports equipment are expected to be unwrapped on Christmas morning, bringing joy to children across the region.
The Salvation Army Public Relations & Community Fundraising Manager, Rod Dibley, encouraged the community to add a gift for a child in need to their shopping list.
“If you haven’t donated yet but would like to, we suggest gift vouchers for teenagers, with toys, books and games for younger children,” Mr Dibley said.
“Every gift – large or small – makes a huge difference. Even a small toy can make a brilliant stocking filler to bring a smile to a young person’s face on Christmas morning.”
NGM Group’s Head of Community and Sustainability, Kirrah McClelland, says the community’s response has been overwhelming.
“Times are tough for many families, so we are touched by the generosity shown by our customers and the New England community this year,” she said.
“Every child deserves to feel the excitement and joy of unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning, and we thank everyone in the New England community for their support.”
Last year more than 7,000 gifts were donated at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches across regional NSW and Queensland, and with more families than ever facing challenges to put presents under the tree, the organisation hopes to support as many families as possible.
Donations can be made at any Newcastle Permanent or Greater Bank branch until Friday 13 December. Gifts should be new and unwrapped and are accepted for all ages, including teenagers.
The community can donate at the following branches:
Greater Bank
- Armidale – 101 Faulkner Street, Armidale NSW 2350
- Gunnedah – 282 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah NSW 2380
- Tamworth – 364 Peel Street, Tamworth NSW 2340
Newcastle Permanent
- Armidale – 111 Dangar Street, Armidale NSW 2350
- Tamworth – 315 Peel Street, Tamworth NSW 2340
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.