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The Smith Family launches Toy & Book Appeal calling for gifts to help Aussie kids in need share the joy of Christmas

Media releases

19 November 2012

As The Smith Family celebrates 90 years of helping Australians in need, it is collecting thousands of new toys and books for its annual Toy & Book Appeal to be delivered to financially disadvantaged children in time for Christmas.

"Sadly many kids will go without a single gift this holiday season simply because their families can't afford it," said Dr Lisa O'Brien, The Smith Family's Chief Executive Officer.

"For one in ten Australian children living in financial disadvantage, the spirit of Christmas is dampened by the additional strain it places on their family's budget. This year, with the public's help we aim to collect and deliver more than 43,500 new toys and 29,000 new books to disadvantaged families across Australia to help them share in the joy of Christmas," said Dr O'Brien.

In the week before Christmas the gifts will be packaged into parcels and delivered by volunteers to children who currently receive The Smith Family's education and learning support.

90 years ago The Smith Family was founded when five businessmen concerned by the poverty that existed on their doorstep, visited an orphanage at Christmas. They took with them gifts of toys and sweets for the children. When asked who the children could thank, the men modestly answered... "Smith, we are all Smiths." The anonymous benefactors vowed to continue their support for disadvantaged children and created the name we proudly bear today.

The Toy and Book Packs assist these families to share in the joys of Christmas, which they may otherwise miss out on, and offer a thank you to families for committing to their children's education into the New Year.

The easiest ways to donate to the Toy & Book Appeal 2012 include:

ONLINE - Purchase a new toy or book online via the Simply Giving website
It's easy and quick and the gifts will be delivered directly to The Smith Family. Simply Giving's online store features affordable gifts selected by The Smith Family to best suit boys and girls of all ages. Visit - Simplygiving.com.au/thesmithfamily
WEBSITE - Make a donation via the website

Donate to the Toy & Book Appeal and 100% of your funds will be used to purchase toys and books within the age/gender categories most in need. Remember to choose 'Toy and Book Appeal' in the donation type.

Media contacts:

Andrew Dickson | National Media Manager (National) - 0421 285 529 | andrew.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Carla Horton | Senior Media Advisor (QLD & WA) - 0423 618 776 | carla.horton@thesmithfamily.com.au
Reid Jermyn | Media Advisor (VIC, SA & NT) - 0412 803 566 | reid.jermyn@thesmithfamily.com.au
Ben Chenoweth | Senior Media Advisor (NSW, ACT & TAS) - 0413 346 934 | ben.chenoweth@thesmithfamily.com.au

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that helps young Australians experiencing disadvantage to create better futures for themselves through harnessing the power of education. We partner with around 800 Australian schools and work with over 162,000 children and young people experiencing disadvantage access our education support programs to help them overcome . For more information, visit thesmithfamily.com.au