Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery has asked residents to dig deep this festive season and donate toys, cash and gift cards for the city’s disadvantaged children.

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Parents – who are they are making their lists and checking them twice – are encouraged to buy a present for a child aged up to 16 who might go without this Christmas.

“The year has flown by and we’re already seeing the Christmas decorations spring up around the City,” the Lord Mayor said. “It’s easy to forget with all the holiday joy that there are some members of our community who are doing it tough.”

“I would like to encourage everyone who can to donate an unwrapped gift or gift card to the Giving Tree Appeal to make sure that every child can experience the magic of Christmas.”

Cr Bradbery said the giving tree was a tradition that occurred for decades.

“Christmas time is about kids and good will,” he said. “I hope people enjoy the festive season, have a break from the routine of everyday life and share some good will around.”

Wollongong’s St Vincent de Paul Society, Anglicare and SCARF members will help distribute the gifts.

Unwrapped gifts and gift cards can be left the council’s customer service area and libraries, Figtree Grove and Warrawong Plaza customer service desks, iHub Visitors Information Centre, Novotel Northbeach, Port Kembla Golf Club, The Central at UOW Innovation Campus, WAVE FM Warrawong, Wests Illawarra, Wollongong Central customer service centre desk (Level 1 Crown) and Gift Hut (upper Crown St Mall) until December 17.

The annual Bikers Toy Run will be held on December 1 which will see hundreds of motorbike riders drop off a gift at the Christmas tree.

”It’s an impressive site to see these motorbikes thundering across the city to spread Christmas cheer and deliver gifts to brighten the festive season of some of our younger community members,” Cr Bradbery said.