Samaritans and The Salvation Army are expecting over 900 families through the door of their toy warehouse up until Christmas Eve – and they need thousands of presents to make it all happen.

The Combined Charities Christmas Warehouse has been running for eight years in Newcastle and offers families who are unable to afford Christmas presents for their children the opportunity to register for assistance.

The charities say the teamwork between them ensures the maximum number of people can get access to much needed assistance at Christmas.

Warehouse spokesperson, Helen Fielder-Gill, said the warehouse continues to provide support for families at Christmas as there is a great need in the community at this time of year.

“Families who do it tough throughout the year find themselves under so much more pressure at Christmas time ‚Äì it’s a big expense to celebrate Christmas, so often they’ll just go without,” Helen said.

“It’s very rewarding to see people being able to choose their own gifts for their children that they can take home and wrap themselves. It’s a real shopping experience here at the warehouse.”

“The Warehouse itself is provided by the McCloy Group and all the presents from the warehouse come from community members and businesses. Without this generous support, none of this would be possible.”

“People can leave a gift at any business listed on Samaritans website, at any branch of the Newcastle Permanent Building Society or at a local Kmart Wishing Tree.”

Image | Howard Mole from the Salvation Army with Helen Fielder-Gill from Samaritans at the Combined Charities Toy Warehouse.