Christmas gifts are stacking up under Bass Coast Shire Council’s Giving Tree, as part of the annual donation drive to support families experiencing disadvantage.

The Christmas Giving Tree program helps ensure that Christmas is a special day for all Bass Coast community members, and many gifts are needed.

The project is coordinated by the Combined Welfare Group which includes organisations such as the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Bass Coast Health’s Davey House. These services work directly with local families.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, says that Council is proud to be supporting this initiative once again.

“There are many factors that can contribute to families experiencing financial hardship. The Giving Tree takes a little bit of pressure off some families over Christmas,” Cr Tessari said.

“Donating a gift can make the world of difference to a child and thier family, on Christmas day.”

Christmas Giving Trees will be on display in all Council Customer Service Centres in Wonthaggi, Cowes, Grantville and Inverloch, and accepting gifts until Monday 10 December.

Any gifts received after this date will be held over until next year.

It is also requested that the gifts are new and left unwrapped under the trees.

Food donations are not recommended.