Kmart says it has received 25% more gifts than last year for its Christmas Wishing Tree appeal, but it's still well behind its target of 40,000 presents.
Kmart hopes to collect 40,000 presents. Photo: RNZ
The retailer's New Zealand manager said many businesses, schools and the army, have put up wishing trees, with all of the presents going to the Salvation Army.
Sue Smith said Pauatahanui Primary School in Porirua collected more than 400 gifts, while Howick Primary in Auckland has collected another 200 presents to give to those in need.
Ms Smith said the Salvation Army's needs are higher than in the past so the retailer is keen to reach its target, which would be 40% up on last year.
She said gifts need to be new, but don't have to be wrapped, and the items most neded are those for older teenagers.
