Christmas is nearly upon us, but for some, the cupboards are bare and presents are just a dream.

That’s why the Salvation Army and Kmart are teaming up again for the 30th annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.

The appeal is NZ’s longest-running gift appeal, launched in 1993. New gift donations from the public can be dropped off at Christmas trees located at any Kmart store. The Salvation Army then distributes the gifts to needy families in the community.

Tauranga's two Kmart stores in Bethlehem and Bayfair have launched their store appeals with a Wishing Tree located at each store.

A box for collecting unwrapped gifts, placed at the Wishing Tree at Bethlehem Kmart. Photo: Supplied.

People are encouraged to buy a gift and place it under the tree. The Salvation Army will then collect up the gifts to distribute.

Tauranga Salvation Army Community Ministries manager Sarah Way says with the community donating presents to the Wishing Tree Appeal, they can help children, adults and seniors experience the joy of Christmas.

Sarah says living costs have been impacting donations, which are needed to help assist people in “rather sad situations” such as homelessness, illness of family crisis.

“We have at least 300 people walk through our doors every month, needing food.

“The need is ever-increasing, and it’s even harder because we have had a decline of donations.”

Ian Bateman - holding the song sheet -  with the Tauranga Community Ministries team, singing waiata at the Bethlehem Kmart launch. Photo: Supplied.

The Salvation Army works to bring about lasting change for people facing hardship and injustice.

Through local programmes and services, they provide critical support for people experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, family and domestic violence, and financial hardship.

Last year, the Salvation Army supported more than 150,000 Kiwis nationwide who sought help.

To contribute, place an unwrapped new or hand-crafted gift under the Kmart Wishing Tree at Bayfair or Bethlehem, including a completed gift tag outlining the gender and age group of the recipient.

Suggested gifts are gift cards, books, sporting equipment, school supplies, arts and crafts, headphones, educational toys, toiletries, and musical instruments.

Alternatively, it’s possible to scan the QR code at the Wishing Tree to make a monetary contribution, or via www.kmart.co.nz/kmartwishingtree or you can contact the Tauranga Community Ministries team on (07) 578 4264 or email tauranga.cm@salvationarmy.org.nz