Store joins festive appeal

Rod Ellis and Major Pam Waugh from the Salvation Army with Sue Smith and Jason Picard from Kmart NZ and Shane Chisholm from the Salvation Army. Photo / Supplied

Kmart Hastings is calling on locals to add to the growing pile of Christmas gifts under this year's Wishing Tree.

Now in its 20th year, the annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is aiming to collect more than 45,000 presents at stores throughout New Zealand, a 15 per cent increase on last year's target.

More than 7000 gifts have been collected to far.

In partnership with The Salvation Army, the country's largest Christmas gift appeal has collected more than 380,000 gifts since its inception.

Yesterday the tally for Kmart Hastings was at 317 gifts.

The store's manager, Michael Kinzett, said he was "honoured" to be part of the appeal.

"The Wishing Tree Appeal truly embodies our national spirit of helping out our neighbours. Waking up on Christmas Day and knowing you've made a difference to a family that really needs a hand is something quite special."

Hawke's Bay residents were invited to choose a gift suitable for the recipient's gender and age and place it under the Wishing Tree at Kmart Hastings.

Kmart also welcomes gifts purchased from any retailer.

-For more information, go to www.kmart.co.nz/wishingtree or visit Kmart Hastings.