Jess Robinson is the Lismore Kmart Wishing Tree Champion. Yesterday, Jess, along with Philip and Donna Sutcliffe from the Northern Rivers Salvation Army launched the 37th Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.

Jess mentioned that since 1987, the Kmart and Salvation Army appeal has brought over 14 million gifts to people "doing it tough".

"And as we face even more cost of living pressures this festive season, many people are in need of the Salvos help greater than before. Last year, our store collected over 1200 gifts. That's 1200 people we helped feel a little bit of joy during Christmas in our community.

"There are more ways than gifts to help contribute. You can purchase a $2 donation card, a Kenzie Bear, the Kenzie pyjama range, or even a coat will help the Salvos spread some Christmas spirit."

Captain Philip Sutcliffe said it is exciting to launch the Kmart wish tree appeal.

"Our community has done incredibly well in supporting the Salvos over the last couple of years, and in particular, post floods and with all the cost of living, our region has been so generous with what they support. It helps make our job so much easier to help bring joy to kids' faces on Christmas day through the gifts that are given under the Wishing Tree.

"We want to thank Kmart for 37 years of support in helping us bring joy to our community."

(The Wishing Tree Appeal cake was cut and handed out to shoppers entering the store)

Captain Donna Sutcliffe said any gift is appreciated; however, teenage Christmas gifts are the area they are missing out on.

"Teenager gifts are a huge gap for us. Stuff like sports equipment, so basketballs, footballs and cricket gear would be wonderful. Wallets, belts, hats and beach equipment like beach towels.

"Then for teenage girls, stuff like toiletries, nice toiletry bags, and then some moisturisers and bath bombs or makeup and nail polish. Even water bottles. Kmart has a lot of really nice water bottles, the ones that are kind of on-trend at the moment. They're even good for teenage boys.

"If anybody has the capacity to do gift cards to particular stores, or multi-store gift cards when it comes to shops, even Kmart sell them. For a teenage boy or a teenage girl, gift cards are a great option.

"Any value is honestly appreciated because even if it's a smaller denomination, we can back it up with another gift as well.

The Christmas Wishing Tree is at the front of the Kmart store at Lismore Square. Simply buy a gift and drop it off at the tree, or you can also drop off gifts at the Salvos Church at 30 Cambridge Drive, Goonellabah on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9am and 12 midday.