The Christmas spirit has once again taken over one of Shepparton’s major retailers this year.
Kmart Shepparton, alongside other Kmart stores across Australia, has launched its 2023 Wishing Tree.
This year marks the 36th anniversary since Kmart and The Salvation Army paired up to make gift-giving easier for families during the festive season.
Salvation Army corps officer Major Scott Smallacombe is leading the donation drive, which remains vital in the community despite this year’s events.
“We always say there’s such a need, but everyone knows this year, since COVID, there has been an increase in the cost of living,” Major Smallacombe said.
“We’re seeing more people needing assistance. So many things of Christmas are just the niceties, and people are struggling to pay for the basics.
“The impact of the floods is still very current; many people are not living in their own homes but are in caravans or rented accommodation.
“So, people supporting us through giving items to the wishing tree and bringing food to our centre helps us give a happier Christmas to so many people in our community.”
Kmart Shepparton operations manager Di Wright has organised the wishing tree at Kmart for the past five years.
Ms Wright said she’s already seen many people putting gifts in the boxes over the past few weeks.
“There’s some amazing, generous people in the community,” she said.
“I look forward to it every year and just spreading that joy throughout the community with the Salvation Army.”
Gifts under the wishing tree can be purchased from anywhere, not just Kmart.
However, they must be brand new – no second-hand items are allowed.
When picking out the right gift to donate, Ms Wright said it’s important to remember all aspects of the community.
“We often get a lot of gifts for young children and babies, but there’s also mums and dads and teenagers, and it allows them to get something too.”
To donate, people can grab a Christmas tag off the wishing tree and stick it onto the gift they’ve purchased before putting it in the provided donation boxes at the front of the store.
From there, the Salvation Army collects the gifts and provides an opportunity for parents to come along and pick out some presents for their kids.
The Salvation Army will start handing out the gifts on Wednesday, December 13.
Noah Moore is one of the Salvation Army volunteers getting involved in the Christmas spirit and giving back this season.
Only 15 years old, Noah started his journey of giving back to the community at the tender age of seven.
Since then, he’s been heavily involved with the charity, and this year, he’s got a message for the Shepparton community.
“I like to take every opportunity to help, and I encourage others to do the same; it’s amazing.
“Get out and help. Every little thing makes a big difference. You might not realise it helps a lot.”
If you need assistance with gift giving this Christmas, visit the Salvation Army located at 99 Nixon St, Shepparton, on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm to register.
To donate to the Kmart Shepparton Wishing Tree, visit the store at 33 Vaughan St. Place your items in the donation box with the appropriate tag for whom the present is for.
The Kmart Wishing Tree will be taking donations until Sunday, December 24.