Wardy’s Newhaven College Christmas Tree was adorned with an incredible collection of gifts donated by the Newhaven College and Phillip Island community.

This week the gifts were collected to be distributed via St Vincent de Paul to children in need this Christmas.

John Ward was with the St Vincent de Paul volunteers, Linda Sparkes, Ann Owens and Narelle Mulcahy to collect the gifts.

They were incredulous at the generous donations. Linda said that 160 local families will be the happy recipients of the gifts donated.

Wardy’s Christmas Tree appeal has been running for 24 years and John is still “blown away” by the support from the community.

"My sincere thank you to all those who have supported the cause,” John said.

“There are many young people who will wake up to a happier Christmas Day than would have been the case without you – thank you."

Newhaven College expressed its deepest thanks to everyone who donated, saying the College community was overawed by the generosity.