Tis the Season For Giving as Salvos Annual to Drive Returns

Donations can be made at both Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches.

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Christmas is just around the corner and with more families than ever facing challenges to put presents under the tree, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank are calling on the community to spread some extra cheer by donating a gift to their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal.

Now in its 36th year in partnership with Newcastle Permanent,2023 marked a new chapter with Greater Bank joining as a collection point for the Toy Drive and, after a successful first year, the organisation is continuing the tradition once more.

The Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel, said he is expecting need within the community to be high again this year.  

“Last year nearly 5,500 gifts were donated by the Newcastle and Hunter community, and we are hoping to see that number increase again this year,” Mr Muendel said.

“We are already seeing that there is a need for our support this Christmas – families are doing it tough, and you never know when you might need a helping hand from the Salvos.”

Lieutenant Muendel said for those looking for ideas to add to their shopping lists, gifts for babies and teenagers continue to be of the greatest need.

“If you would like to donate and are looking for suggestions, we recommend toys, books, and games for younger children, and gift vouchers, sports equipment and beauty products for teenagers.

“A gift voucher is such an empowering gift for teenagers to receive because it gives them the freedom to choose something special for themselves.

“Your donation may be the only gift a child receives on Christmas morning, so we hope to bring a smile to their face as they unwrap their present.”

Newcastle mum Iris has received support from The Salvation Army in the past and said if not for The Salvos there wouldn’t have been any presents under the tree.

“My friend introduced me to the Salvos after I became a single mother and was struggling to provide the essentials for my daughter like food and nappies,” she said.

“The Salvos gave me hope and dignity at Christmas time, not only giving me toys for my daughter, but also a gift voucher so I could buy some presents for my family and friends.”

Iris said the support from the Salvos changed her life.

“Thanks to the Salvos, I have become stronger and healthier, and I know that I have the strength to tackle life’s challenges.”

NGM Group Head of Community and Sustainability, Kirrah McClelland, said the customer-owned organisation supports The Salvation Army in more ways than one at Christmas time.

“Along with collecting for our Toy Drive, our people will be volunteering their time at the Salvos warehouse to sort all the generous gifts. Last year, we had more than 130 of our people lend a helping hand.

“Christmas is about giving and being kind to one another, so we are honoured to support the

Salvos each year to help ensure every child can experience the joy of opening a present on Christmas morning,” Ms McClelland said.

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.