Small gifts that can ease struggles at Christmas

THE last-minute rush to fill festive stockings is well and truly under way, but shoppers are being encouraged to spare a few dollars for those who are financially struggling this Christmas.

Undoubtedly December is one of the most expensive times of year and new research has revealed that three in five people (59 per cent) are worried about the impact Christmas will have on their hip pockets.

But despite this, new independent data compiled for the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has found two in three Australians (67 per cent) will still find some spare cash to donate to charity over the holiday period.

The Appeal is in its 30th year and the Salvation Army’s Major Peter Ellis hopes more Australians can dip into their pockets and make Christmas special for those in need.

“Christmas, as well as being a happy time, is also (tough) for people who are struggling financially and trying to make ends meet,’’ he said.

“People can give things like bikes, toys, books, back-toschool things, art, craft, toiletries and even gift cards, but even a small gift gives hope to someone struggling that things can get better.”

Major Ellis said 60 per cent of people who contact the Salvation Army at Christmas cannot afford presents.

“What people spend on their lunch, they could give that as a donation, any amount will make a difference,” he said.

Latest Australian Taxation Office data found 4.6 million Australians claimed an average of $674 in donations in the 2014-15 financial year and the median donation was $104.

Kmart community manager Kate Thiedeman said for some households “there’s no fat for the niceties” such as presents, leaving some without gifts.

Last year, the appeal received more than 344,000 presents and more than $190,000 in cash raised.

“With a couple of weeks left until Christmas we really encourage people to give generously to the appeal by either putting a gift underneath the tree or giving a cash donation,’’ Ms Thiedeman said.

“We ask people if they do donate it’s a new gift or it is handcrafted and they can pop that gift under the tree with a Wishing Tree tag.”

Consumers are being encouraged to buy and drop presents in-store or consider making a cash donation, which is tax deductible if made directly to The Salvation Army’s website.