It is for these families that the Uniting Church and Griffith Target are taking part in the UnitingCare Share Christmas Gift Appeal, which aims to distribute presents to Griffith children in need.

Target store manager Lisa Morrison said shoppers can buy presents for children and leave them at the counter to be put under the shop’s giving tree.

“Shoppers get a tag off the tree for a boy or girl of a certain age, and then go and buy a present for that child,” she said.

“They can also buy a $20 gift tag, so rather than buy a present, they can give money and a present is bought on their behalf.”

The looming financial crisis poses as a difficult challenge for many locals in need, as charitable donations typically decline during hard economic times.

The gifts will be distributed by UnitingCare, according to local co-ordinator and Uniting Church minister Matthew Trounce.