Give gift of Christmas - Wollongong

Wollongong City Council is inviting everyone to give the gift of Christmas by donating an un-wrapped gift to a child or teen in need.

Donations are now open for the annual City of Wollongong Giving Tree at 12 locations across the Wollongong region. This year's Giving Tree appeal will see unwrapped gifts donated to Anglicare and St Vincent de Paul Society.

You can drop off your gifts at the following locations:

• Wollongong Central, 200 Crown Street
• Corrimal Village, 270 Princes Highway
• Dapto Mall, Moombara Street
• Warrawong Plaza, Cowper Street
• South Coast Floor Coverings, 299 Keira Street, Wollongong
• Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street
• Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street
• Dapto Library, 93-109 Princes Highway
• Helensburgh Library, 57 Walker Street
• Thirroul Library, 353-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive
• Unanderra Library, 144 Princes Highway
• Warrawong Library, Level 1, 67-71 King Street.

What sorts of gifts should you donate?

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM asked that to make distribution easy please donate unwrapped gifts for children aged zero to 16 years. That way families in need can pick out a thoughtful gift from Anglicare and St Vincent de Paul Society.

"Little extras, like Christmas gifts, can be the first thing to drop off the priority list for families who are doing it tough. We're calling for people to make a donation to the Giving Tree and spread a little Christmas magic, a time of goodwill" Cr Bradbery said.

"There are many people in our city who are struggling to make ends meet. While the Giving Tree appeal is a small donation, it's one that can lift spirits and help families celebrate together. So please, if you can, donate a toy, book or something that will spark festive joy to the collection."

"If you're not sure what to get, another option is to donate a gift card instead. That can actually be a really great option as it allows parents or carers to pick-out the perfect gift themselves for their family."

You have from now until Monday 11 December to donate to the City of Wollongong Giving Tree.

And if you're looking for more festive cheer, visit the Crown Street Mall on Saturday 2 December for the Biker's Toy Run. This event will see hundreds of motorbikes from motorcycle clubs of the Illawarra come together to collect donated toys and deliver them to the Christmas tree in the mall.