Two Hunter banks are calling on the generosity of Maitland residents to help kids and families in need this Christmas.
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The Greater Bank is asking customers to donate gifts to its Youth Off The Streets' Christmas Appeal while donations for The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal can be made at Newcastle Permanent branches.
The Greater appeal is being conducted right across its NSW and South-East Queensland branch network, including Maitland, Rutherford, Greenhills and Beresfield from now until Friday, December 6.
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The Greater Charitable Foundation is encouraging people to donate a range of newly-purchased gifts for young people aged between 12 and 21, such as sporting equipment, clothing, bags and beauty products, as well as gift vouchers from retailers including Target, Big W, Rebel Sport and JB HiFi.
All presents collected at the Maitland branches will be going to children in need in the area and Greater Bank staff will deliver them to the Youth Off The Streets Christmas party to be held at Kurri Kurri Skate Park on the December 18.
Greater Charitable Foundation chief executive officer, Anne Long, said the appeal was a simple way for the whole community to give a little and put a smile on the faces of those who need it most.
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"Christmas is a wonderful time of year for so many of us, but the reality is that for many in our community who are struggling, it can be a very tough time," Ms Long said.
"Every child deserves to wake up on Christmas morning and unwrap presents, which is why we have extended our partnership with Youth Off The Streets to help brighten and make it a greater Christmas for those in need.
"We want to encourage everyone to purchase even a small gift and take it in to one of our four Greater Bank branches across the Maitland area."
The Newcastle Permanent collection will run until Friday, 20 December.
Newcastle Permanent CEO, Bernadette Inglis said it was remarkable how many people donate gifts year after year on top of their own family giving.
"So many of our regional communities have been hit hard by bushfires this year, and many families will be foregoing Christmas, or living in temporary housing because they've lost theirs, so the need is greater than ever to share the joy with those who will find this season really hard," she said.
Ms Inglis urged people to consider all ages when choosing donations.
"It can be lots of fun choosing toys for little kids, but we often forget that teenagers are still big kids at heart and that parents doing it tough are always keen to give their older kids a memorable Christmas as well," Ms Inglis said.
