With mounting bills, the expense of moving house and her son's birthday just prior, she had nothing left for Christmas. But that stress turned to relief when the Salvos arrived with a food card, as well as a toy toolkit and book for Jace.

"If it wasn't for the Salvos I wouldn't have had a Christmas with my son," she said. "To see Jace's eyes light up and his big smile as he opened his presents made for a special Christmas."

The Salvation Army and Newcastle Permanent are asking Hunter locals to share the festive spirit by donating a gift to the Salvos Christmas Toy Drive Appeal.

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Salvation Army officer Tracy Iles said due to COVID-19 job and income losses she expected there to be more children who won't have a present unless they receive a helping hand.

"A surprise gift under the Christmas tree will bring a smile to a young person as well as to a parent or carer who is unable to afford gifts this year," Auxiliary Lieutenant Iles said. "Last year the Salvos gave 26,000 gifts and toys to families in need of a hand and we are ambitiously looking to help more families this year."

Newcastle Permanent CEO Bernadette Inglis said Christmas should be about giving, joy and hope.

"As a parent, I know the joy of your child receiving a gift on Christmas morning," she said. "In our many years of partnership with the Salvation Army, we've been humbled to help thousands of local families experience that joy."

Gifts should be new, unwrapped and donated at any Newcastle Permanent branch until December 20.

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