Making Christmas wishes come true

The giving spirit is well and truly underway at Kmart, who are collecting gifts for Blenheim’s Salvation Army.

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Kmart’s popular Wishing Tree Appeal and the fifth time the Marlborough store has taken part.

Helping bring joy to local families this holiday season is always a favourite time of year for staff, says store manager Larissa Ryan.

“Putting up and decorating the tree, laying out gifts and hanging the gift suggestions is always a fun team effort for us,” says Larissa.

“It’s great that we are able to work with communities across New Zealand and Australia and provide our kids with a bit of joy every year.

“Even if it’s something little, like a small donation at the tills or leaving a cute little note on the tree for someone to read, it all goes a long way to making the holiday period a little better for someone.”

The Salvation Army’s team leader Bridget Nolan says that she and the entire organisation are thankful every year for the Kmart donations.

“The relationship between us and Kmart has been going on for 30 years, and so when Kmart came to Blenheim we wanted to get involved as soon as possible.”

The Wishing Tree Appeal is collecting gifts up until Christmas Eve.

Bridget says all donations will find a good home in time for the big day.

“It’s a real community morale boosting exercise anyone can get involved in, she says.

“It’s so thoughtful to help kids that you’ve never met have a wonderful Christmas with something they really love to get.”

“If we’re lucky like we were a few years ago and get an awesome turnout from Marlburians just before Christmas, we’ll even be able to keep some for next year’s drive.”

Gifts, which must be new and unwrapped, can be donated in store at Kmart during opening hours.