Businesses step in to save Christmas

More than $5000 worth of gifts were destroyed at the Royal Oak centre after someone threw a log of wood through a window.

A number of businesses have stepped in to help the Salvation Army after one of its centres was vandalised.

Last week more than $5000 of gifts were destroyed at its Royal Oak, Auckland, centre after someone threw a log of wood through a window.

Presents donated as part of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal had to be thrown away because they were covered in broken glass.

The Warehouse, Air New Zealand, ASB bank and St John ambulance have given the charity a helping hand to refill the Christmas stocking.

Sixteen pallets of Warehouse toys have been delivered and the airline has given a "generous donation" to buy more gifts.

ASB and St John have joined forces to donate 100 block-set toy ambulances to the charity.

Centre manager Rod Ellis said the gifts would help meet an urgent need at an already busy time of year.

"Compounding last week's loss because of vandalism, we are also seeing a 30 to 50 per cent increase in demand across our Auckland centres, as well as an increasing number of children who risk missing out on Christmasbecause of their family's financial hardship.

"This generosity from The Warehouse and Air New Zealand, in addition to the valuable contributions made from the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal this Christmas, means we can help children more than ever."

Warehouse chief executive Simon Turner said it was important no one missed out.

"Christmas should be one of the happiest times of year for all Kiwis.

"We're thrilled to be able to help local families and support the tireless work that The Salvation Army does in fighting poverty and social distress in New Zealand."