The lead up to Christmas is a wonderful time of year – the excitement and anticipation, the end of year parties, delicious food and drink, gifts and Christmas lights, songs and dancing… the list goes on. However, for some people struggling with financial strain, fractured families or health issues, this time of year can be stressful and depressing.  So today we wanted to share some ways that those of us who are happy and well can help share the Christmas spirit with some less fortunate and truly in need. Here are a few awesome ways you can give back this Christmas: 
Smith Family Stocking Exchange
The Smith Family is a national children’s charity that helps disadvantaged young Australians to succeed at school, so they can create better futures for themselves. Their Stocking Exchange program is aiming to deliver over 60,000 new toys and 40,000 new books to children in need around Australia this year. You can purchase a toy or book online, with the option to choose an age group and it will be added to personalised Toy & Book pack for each Australian child in need.
Foodbank Hawaiian Giving Box
Foodbank have teamed up with Hawaiian shopping centres to gather donations for 30,000 families in Western Australia this Christmas. These will be placed into gift hampers of food for families in need.  You can donate items such as canned food (vegies, fruit, ham and fish), dry goods, disposable nappies, new (not preloved) toys, clothes and books. There are donation points around the Perth metro area – find you closest donation point here for details. If you can’t get to a donation point you can make a financial donation online here.
Salvation Army Christmas appeal
The Salvation Army have long been a stalwart charity providing help to many in our community who are struggling with the challenges of homelessness, natural disaster, or family crisis. They provide help in times of desperate need, providing hope and a pathway to independence.
Your donation can assist with:

• shelter to people with nowhere to sleep,
• gifts for kids who would otherwise get none,
• hampers for people struggling to afford basic meals, and
• support for those struck by disaster

If you’d rather purchase a specific item, they have a Christmas Toy Appeal aiming to reach a total of 800 toys purchased.
Oxfam Unwrapped Gift Cards
Buying for someone who has everything already? Oxfam’s fabulous gift cards allow you to gift a goat, chicken, duck or even a water well on their behalf, empowering families and entire communities with practical resources to help lift themselves out of poverty. The person you’re buying for will receive a clever card that explains how their gift is helping others.
Camp Quality
This charity provides a much needed dose of laughter to children battling cancer. They have some fantastic, unique Christmas products including Christmas crackers and an amazing Acts of Kid-ness Advent Calendar with proceeds going directly towards their support programs.