Wishing Tree Appeal targeting 15,000 gifts

GRANTING WISHES: Hastings deputy mayor Cynthia Bowers and Kay Worth of the Salvation Army place a present under the Kmart Wishing Tree in Hastings.PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

One Christmas tree stands out from the rest in the vast expanse of Kmart's Hastings store.

It may not be big but it grants wishes for thousands of Hawke's Bay people who might otherwise go without this festive season.

Now in its 20th year, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal collects presents for needy families, to be distributed by the Salvation Army.

Last year an impressive 1339 gifts were collected locally, something staff aim to beat in 2014 with a goal of 15,000.

"We ask Hawke's Bay residents to dig deeper and help us to deliver more gifts and Christmas cheer than ever before," Kmart Hastings store manager Michael Kinzett said.

"The longevity of this appeal is testament to the Kiwi spirit of supporting each other, especially at Christmas time.

"We know that people are busy so we want to make it as easy as possible to donate."

Presents don't need to be gift wrapped or purchased in store and can be for people of any age - from children to grandparents.

The appeal launched in Hastings on Thursday with a cake-cutting ceremony hosted by Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers followed by Christmas carols.

"We have over 100 presents already, there is one customer who collects all year and drops them in so that's a good head start, " Kmart Hastings operations manager Nicki Newland said.

"People can put a present under the tree, there are donation boxes [for Salvation Army] at the register that they can pop their loose change in, and also there's a button they can push at self service to donate directly if they don't want the hassle of a gift."

Last Christmas the Salvation Army helped more than 14,000 families throughout New Zealand and is renewing that call for support. "[It's] sometimes a time when marginalised families feel the strain of not being able to afford something special for their loved ones," Salvation Army Secretary for Social Services, Major Pam Waugh said.

"Our last quarter to September saw an increase of more than 4000 new families or individuals seeking assistance across food, budgeting and making ends meet across the holiday season, so there is no doubt Christmas time sees increased pressure on families."

-To contribute to or find out more, visit the Hastings store or donate online at: kmart.co.nz/wishingtree