Without help, more Tamworth kids could go without presents this year than ever.
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On Monday, the Salvation Army and Kmart launched their annual Wishing Tree Appeal, the earliest in its 33-year history.
Captain Harriet Farquhar said the Salvos anticipate there will be more people needing help than ever before.
"There are moments where it is the absolute best time of the year," she said.
"I've worked with families where they say if we didn't get these gifts our kids wouldn't be having presents. These are people who genuinely could not get their kids gifts.
"I've worked sometimes with single adults and the gifts that they get from here may be the only acknowledgement of Christmas they get."
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Captain Farquhar said they expect Christmas to be a unique one.
Tamworth's poorest will actually be better off despite the coronavirus recession, due to increased government assistance payments, she said.
But the Army anticipates it will be inundated with new Tamworth locals in need of help, who've never done it tough before.
"We want to make it as positive an experience as possible, because if you've never done it before it can be a time of shame and embarrassment. And we just want to give people the opportunity to have Christmas with their families, with dignity."
She urged Tamworth to give whatever they could. Even a $5 gift could make the difference for someone Christmas, she said.
It's the first Wishing Tree for Kmart Duty Manager, Hayley Rixon.
"Getting in the spirit a little bit early is a lot of fun," she said.
"I think it brings a little bit more hope and a little bit more joy. I think we need it a little bit this year."
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal will wrap up on December 24.
The best way to donate is to choose a practical gift that will go beyond Christmas time and leave it under the Wishing Tree in store at the Kmart in Tamworth Square, off Peel street.
The Salvation Army will distribute the gifts at their support services stores, after sorting them.
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
