Put a gift under someone else's tree

Each year the Salvation Army teams up with Kmart for their Wishing Tree Appeal, where you can choose a gift for both adults and children. If you're taking your kids along, talk to them before you go shopping. A good guide is to get them to choose a gift for a child the same age as they are. Ask them to think about what sort of thing they might like and why. 

Here are some hints for buying a gift:

• Books
• Sporting equipment
• Art & craft supplies
• Headphones
• Toiletries
• Soft toys
• Building blocks

The Wishing Tree appeal concludes on December 24th. You don't have to buy the gift from Kmart but it must be new and unwrapped to go under the tree. 

Giving to strangers benefits everyone

• It is helping someone else who has less
• The person gifting feels happier
• Helping others is contagious
• Giving promotes kindness & social connection

More ways to make a difference to others at Christmas

• Make cards with your kids and give them to your neighbours.
• Sponsor a child - there are many charities both here and overseas.
• Have a baking session with your kids and deliver some goodies to people in your street.
• Make a charity donation in the name of a family member as a Christmas gift.
• Volunteer with a charity over the festive season.
• Invite a neighbour who is alone at Christmas to join you for lunch.
• Teach your kids to get involved in their community
• Find a local charity near you
• Organise a Foodbank food donation
• If your local shopping centre is part of the Hawaiian Group - you'll find a Giving Box for food donations until the end of December.