IN what is becoming a local tradition, the Portland Salvation Army has partnered with Portland K Hub to provide gifts to families in need, and this year an extra hand is coming from Portland District Health (PDH).

Beautiful Christmas trees are officially up at K Hub and PDH, in readiness for the Wishing Tree Appeal, with the call out now for presents from the community to be placed underneath them.

K Hub team member Kimberley Taylor said they have a twist to their appeal this year.

“Anyone who comes in store and donates a gift to the Wishing Tree Appeal this year will be entered into our prize raffle, which will be first, second or third prize,” she said.

“All you got to do is come in, purchase an item or bring a donation in which may have been purchased somewhere else, and bring it to the counter.

“Let the people serving at the counter know and they will fill out a raffle ticket and put it into the prize draw for you.

“That'll be drawn on the 18th of December.”

PDH keeps their wishing tree in the main foyer for anyone to put a present under.

Different gift suggestions for children and teenagers can be found on a couple sheets beside the tree if you need tips.

Donations will be collected by the Salvation Army who are in contact with local families who will select and take home the gifts for their children this Christmas.

In previous years, products donated were asked to be wrapped with a label on it stating the age group, but this year donations are requested to be unwrapped. wander

This way, parents can see what might be appropriate for their children.

“A lot of people these days are struggling with the cost of living, and they generally can't afford to buy their children or teenagers the everyday luxury items, as we call them,” Ms Taylor said.

“This gives people a chance to donate to those who are struggling to have something a little bit extra at Christmas time and beyond.”

Portland Salvation Army captain Heather Stamp said families can register by visiting the Portland Salvation Army building on 33 Henty Street, or by printing out the registration sheet on their Facebook and filling it out.

“I've got families registering at the moment and they get to come in and have a walk around and it’s like a little shopping experience for them to be able to choose presents,” Captain Stamp said.

“We generally won't give out to people who will gift them to nieces or something like that. They've got to have custody of the children or be very, very close.

“We are covering the Glenelg Shire, so if someone from Casterton said they needed help, we'll make that happen.”