THE jingle and joy of Christmas was in the air last week as Kmart Shellharbour officially launched the Wishing Tree Appeal.
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The annual initiative is the largest Christmas gift appeal in the country and has been running for 27 years.
Each year, Kmart stores across the nation act as collection points, where people can donate a gift that goes to the local Salvation Army who give the gift to disadvantaged people.
Shellharbour Kmart store has participated in all 27 years of the appeal and will this year aim to top the 2013 gift-count, of 3000.
Store manager Julie Anset said the generosity of local people and community groups was amazing every year.
"People have already started putting gifts under the tree," she said. "It's just amazing, and just such a wonderful cause that will go straight back into the Illawarra community where it's most needed.
"Every year it is growing stronger and stronger. This year we hope to top the amount of gifts we received last year and contribute to the overall goal for the nation of 500,000 gifts."
The Salvation Army band were on hand for the launch to play Christmas tunes for the festive season.
Ms Anset said the gifts did not have to be from Kmart, did not need to be wrapped and could be for both children and adults.
People can donate their presents at any Kmart store right up until December 24.