Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is encouraging the community to help provide some Christmas cheer for children in need, with the Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal now underway.

Supported by local businesses, including Kiama institution Toyworld, the appeal is urging residents to donate unwrapped gifts for children up to 14 years old to continue Kiama’s tradition of generosity.  

Cr McDonald told The Bugle that this initiative is well supported and indicates there is awareness within Kiama’s community of those less fortunate.

“There are children in the community that aren’t as well off as some of the other children, so to be able to support them is a really critical part of our community,” he said.

“Many families will struggle to afford gifts this year.

“Every donation, no matter how small, helps bring joy to a child and reminds them that their community cares.”

In what can be a difficult time for those less fortunate, Cr McDonald encourages the community to link arms and stand together. 

“When we give, we send a message of hope and support to families who need it most.”

The family-owned Toyworld on Terralong Street is celebrating its 40th year of operations and is lending a hand to the Appeal.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald (left) and Melissa Judd (right) Photo: Supplied - Destination Kiama

Owners Paul and Melissa Judd are already seeing those in the community putting their hands in pockets to donate to the cause.

“I’ve had Country Women’s Association Kiama and Probus groups come in with their money and asking us to help choose presents for the giving tree,” Melissa said.

“Some even just leave the money and I give them a receipt when we have placed them under the tree.”

Melissa shares that the buying of gifts around Christmas can be focused on the younger children and as a result, the older kids miss out – which Toyworld makes sure doesn’t happen.

“I try to choose a selection [of presents] for the older ones and by doing it in a big group, I can sort it out a little better,” Melissa said.

“We get all the presents together and help make deliveries to the council giving trees around the Kiama region.”

The Australian Retailers Association predicts that there will be a 4.2% rise in pre-Christmas sales reaching a mindboggling $73.1 billion and close to $7 billion alone in the four-day weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday this weekend.

The Mayors Giving Trees can be found in the foyer of council’s administration building on Manning street, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library and The Pavilion.

New gifts are encouraged for children up to 14 years, with gifts not to be wrapped, as they need to be sorted by age before distribution.

Donations can be made until 10am on Friday 12 December to ensure gifts reach local children in time for Christmas.