Kerre Woodham: Mission short of kids' gifts

City missioner Diane Robertson. Photo / Sarah Ivey.

Given the past couple of years, it's no surprise charities are seeing a much greater need for assistance.

The Salvation Army in Manukau says the number of working families who have approached them for budgeting advice this year has risen dramatically. They are families who are trying to do the best by their kids but are finding there simply isn't enough money to go around.

The Sallies' Adopt a Family programme is brilliant - this year 300 families have been adopted by anonymous donors. From tomorrow, gifts and supermarket vouchers will be delivered to ensure those 300 families, comprising about 1000 people, enjoy a magical Christmas.

The City Mission reports the need this year is unprecedented. City missioner Diane Robertson says they are scrounging around the shelves trying to find something - anything - that will do as gifts for children. She acknowledges many families are having a leaner Christmas this year so for the first time, the mission is restricting itself to one gift per child per family.

But she still fears there won't be enough to go around. Donations of toys can be dropped off at any branch of the ASB or at the Hobson St depot. Robertson says if someone has truckloads of presents they wish to donate, she's quite happy to send a truck round.

If you have anything you can spare, a donation to these charities will ensure that no child will miss out this Christmas.