Gifts for Shellharbour residents experiencing hardship this Christmas can be donated as part of the mayor’s giving tree charity until December 18.

For more than 20 years the appeal has helped hundreds of disadvantaged families celebrate Christmas.

‘‘This is one way we can help everyone enjoy Christmas and brighten the day for people in need,’’ Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba said.

The project provides the Oak Flats branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society with gifts to deliver to disadvantaged children in Shellharbour City.

All donations can be left at the giving tree on Level 1 of the council’s Administration Centre, Lamerton House or in the giving box on the ground floor at the customer care desk at Stockland Shellharbour.

Donations will also be accepted at Blackbutt Youth Centre and at the council libraries throughout the city.

Residents are encouraged to leave the gifts unwrapped.

At Kiama on Tuesday, mayor Brian Petschler was on hand to collect gifts for Kiama Council’s ‘‘giving tree’’ supporting children aged from 0 to 14 years.

Gifts may be left under the tree situated in the Kiama Library and one in the foyer of the council chambers.

‘‘We hope this year, once again, the residents of Kiama will support this project which benefits many children in our community,’’ Cr Petschler said.

Kiama Council will accept gifts up until Thursday, December 11.

‘‘If every organisation in the area can give just one present many children in the Kiama area will enjoy and share the happiness of Christmas, which they might not otherwise do,’’ Cr Petschler said.