Santa is an enigma among kids, appearing once a year with a sleigh filled with toys and goodies before disappearing into the night to his workshop to prepare for the next year.
But as it turns out, kids only have to go as far as Allan St to find Santa’s workshop.
Barbies, Lego, Transformers, puzzles and more are currently being shipped in from every corner of the earth to the little hole in the wall on Allan St and being prepared to be distributed to those who need it most.
The team members at Tattslotto Toy Shop have joined forces with Kyabram Vinnies to make sure every child is accounted for this Christmas, with Kyabram’s very own Santa Claus, Miles Gould, at the helm of the fundraisers’ force.
Each year, Mr Gould receives a list from the volunteers at Vinnies with ages and genders of children who are not expecting to receive a gift at Christmas time.
He then personally selects gifts for children to help bring the Christmas spirit into every household across Kyabram.
“Having kids myself and having the toy shop, I know what kids want each time — I know what the top toy of the year is and what kids will get excited about seeing underneath the Christmas tree,” Mr Gould said.
But, there’s one catch to make the magic happen — he needs your help to do it.
Mr Gould needs the community to donate money — or toys — to make this special tradition happen, and he’s putting his own money in the pot to make it even more special.
“If you come in with $50, I will match that personally so we can give out $100 worth of toys to kids who need it,” Mr Gould said.
“Locals have been very generous over the years; however, it is something that is still needed,” he said.
The Salvation Army has found this Christmas over 72 per cent of Australians will be more mindful of their spending compared to previous years, and that almost one in 10 Australians will rely on charitable support to get by at Christmas time.
Last year, Kyabram Vinnies, with the help of Tattslotto Toy Shop, helped let 35 children unwrap gifts at Christmas time around the town.
While most children eagerly anticipate Christmas presents, for some in our community, it’s the gift of kindness, brightening the lives of those less fortunate, that makes all the difference.
It’s a sentiment that Mr Gould shares, and he encourages the community to rally behind this cause because he knows the impact Christmas spirit can have on a child’s life.
“It just shows what local communities can be about and Christmas really is the season for giving, so if you can help out, please do,” Mr Gould said.
Give the gift of Christmas to children in the community by bringing cash donations into the Tattslotto Toy Shop on Allan St before Tuesday, December 10.