News

Salvation Army toy drive is the gift that keeps on giving

By Grace Carter

Dec 8, 2025

Kmart store manager Travis Senior, operations manager Di Wright and Salvation Army’s Scott Smallacomb. Photo by Megan Fisher

It’s that time of year to put gifts under the tree, and the Kmart Wishing Tree is the best one to put them under to support the Salvation Army’s annual toy drive.

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Shepparton Salvation Army corps officer Scott Smallacombe said the donation box was something people really enjoyed getting involved in, and the tree’s central location at Kmart was convenient for people to drop in their presents, helping drive up donations.

Mr Smallacombe said a lot of people liked donating presents they couldn’t gift to their own children any more, but others going through a difficult time would still appreciate.

“Unfortunately at Christmas time there can be a lot of family domestic violence,” he said.

“These presents are for people who suddenly need them because they can't go back and pick them up.”

With donations being accepted for children up to 12 years old, Mr Smallacombe asked people to think about getting presents for older children, specifically things to keep them entertained over the school holidays.

“We get a lot of baby stuff because understandably, everyone wants to buy baby stuff,” he said.

“Maybe think about some of the older kids as well, particularly things that can get them out outdoors and have some fun.”

Donations will be accepted until Christmas Eve.

If you can’t get to Kmart, you can donate to the appeal at kmartwishingtree.salvos.org.au