Kmart Wishing Tree partners with The Salvation Army to help Tamworth people doing it tough at Christmas

For the 34^th year, Kmart has partnered with the Salvation Army to erect a Wishing Tree where the public can donate gifts for families doing it tough.

Kmart manager Sharon Trickey said the Wishing Tree was a much loved annual event for both the store and the community, with over 1500 gifts received last year.

Ms Trickey said locals were encouraged to buy gifts not just for children but adults as well and include essential items like stationery and homewares.

"Things that will do all these people past Christmas, not just something to play with on Christmas Day," she said.

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Tony DeTommaso, from Tamworth's Salvation Army, said the donations they receive from Kmart each year go directly to helping locals in the community.

"We're very thankful for the amount of gifts the community donate to Kmart to help us help others in need," he said.

While the need is there every year, Mr DeTommaso said financial hardships, and unemployment as a result of COVID-19, had increased the need for donations.

"With people losing their jobs and having those bills that are hard to meet, certainly anything that can help them with their funds is a big help," he said.

With 'K-Hubs' set up and taking donations in some Target stores in Gunnedah and Moree, Ms Trickey said that even those in smaller communities would have a reason to smile this Christmas.

While shoppers need to be double vaccinated to enter Kmart, an express drop off box has been placed at the front of the store to allow anyone to leave a gift, or money can be donated by scanning a QR code at the entrance.

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