THE Hamilton Uniting Church are setting their sights towards Christmas and are encouraging anyone who can, to donate new toys for their 2022 Christmas Appeal.

While it is only August, the donation drive is already in full swing, with toys of all shapes and sizes being donated by locals to be gifted to children in need.

Hamilton Uniting Church pastoral community carer, Peter Roberts, said they encouraged people to begin donating unwrapped presents early to ensure they received enough before Christmas to hand out to local families.

“It’s good to get in early because we like to be organised and start distributing toys as soon as possible,” he said.

“We service between 40 and 50 families in need.

“The majority are here in Hamilton, but there are a few in Coleraine and Dunkeld.

“They really appreciate what we give them, especially at Christmas time … it really helps them out and makes their Christmas special.”

The Christmas Appeal accepts all forms of toys for primary school aged children, with Mr Roberts saying they have previously received dolls, games, coloured pencils and books.

While the Church has been fortunate enough to have dedicated donors and volunteers, Mr Roberts said they had noticed a drop in donations in recent years, particularly with toys for young boys.

“We noticed a decline last year in donations, so that’s why we’re asking for a bit of help this year,” he said.

“The Church encourages any donations, no matter how big or small, from individuals, families, businesses, not for profit organisations and clubs.

“We’ve also been short for toys for boys aged eight to 10 years old.

“Any donated toys for this age would be very welcome, such as toy cars, big jumbo cars, water guns … boys love things like that.”

All toys should be unwrapped when dropped off at the Church so they can be allocated to a child in need based on their age, gender, and interests.

Recently, the Hamilton North Cricket Club donated a significant number of toys to the appeal, with Mr Roberts saying the Church was blown away by their generosity.

“We really appreciated that,” he said.

“It was very well received, and it was great of them to do that for us.

“Any donation is fantastic and for them to go out of their way and do that … we really appreciate it and anyone associated with the club who assisted.”

Donations are welcome from now until around the end of November, with distribution starting early December.

Anyone with new toys they want to donate to the 2022 Christmas Appeal can drop them off at the Hamilton Uniting Church at 113 Lonsdale Street, between 9am-2.30pm Monday to Friday.