Shellharbour City residents are encouraged to donate gifts for the Mayoress' Giving Tree by 8 December.
For more than 20 years, the Shellharbour community has come together to lend a hand to help hundreds of disadvantaged families celebrate the festive season.
The St Vincent de Paul Society will be distributing the gifts to families in need, as it has done for many years.
Donating gifts before 8 December gives the local St Vincent de Paul volunteers time to sort and distribute to families by Christmas.
To donate, simply leave unwrapped gifts in the box next to the Christmas tree in the Shellharbour Civic Centre foyer.
If you would prefer to donate a Target or Kmart gift voucher, please send it to Shellharbour City Council Mayoress' Giving Tree, care of Joanne Frasca, Locked Bag 155 Shellharbour City Centre NSW 2529.
Vikki Muller, partner of Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer, encouraged people to make a donation.
"It's been another difficult year for an increasing number of people in our city. People are struggling to pay rent, buy groceries and fill up their car up with petrol," Ms Muller said.
"In many cases, families who have never had to seek assistance are finding themselves in a precarious financial position. For some, it just won't be possible to buy gifts and food this festive season. It is heartbreaking," she said.
Mayor Homer said he was extremely proud of the Shellharbour community's ongoing compassion for local families doing it tough.
"Your donations of gifts and vouchers will help create special Christmas memories for families in need," Mayor Homer said."I want to congratulate and thank the local volunteers from the St Vincent de Paul Society for their ongoing commitment to Council's Giving Tree appeal over many years.
"If you are unable to support the appeal this year with a donation, a smile or a small act of kindness can go a long way to brightening someone's day," he said.
