Tis the season for giving

A small gift can make a big difference.

Put a present under the Christmas Giving Tree at the Cowes Newsagency before December 13 and help make Christmas happier for a local family.

Being part of this wonderful tradition of Christmas giving is easy.

Come into the newsagency in Thompson Avenue before December 13 and select a star from the tree.

Each star is marked with an age group from babies up to 13-years.

You simply need to buy an age-appropriate toy, then place it under the tree.

If you purchase a gift in the store, the friendly staff at Cowes Newsagent will wrap it for you.

Or you can bring in a present and leave it under the tree before December 13.

This is the eighth year the store has run the Giving Tree appeal.

The presents left under the tree will be included in hampers distributed locally as part of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.

The Vinnies Christmas Appeal helps families struggling at Christmas.

This year, impact of the pandemic means more local families will be facing a bleak Christmas.

“Millions of Australian families will be spending this Christmas in poverty,” the Vinnies Christmas Appeal website states.

“Many of them are facing hardship for the first time and have suddenly found themselves frightened about how they will keep a roof over their head and put food on the table, let alone celebrate on Christmas Day.”