UnitingCare, an arm of the Uniting Church, are once again running their Christmas appeal with Target to help people buy gifts for children, provide temporary accommodation and help meet the rising cost of living.

Since its opening in 2007, Target Griffith have been part of UnitingCare’s Christmas Appeal. This year marks the 24^th year Target and UnitingCare have partnered to brighten the lives of thousands of families across Australia and they are calling on people to rally together and help those in need.

Reverend Abera Abera from Griffith Uniting Church said he hoped to get enough of a response to help people at this time of year.

“This year has been really tough for some people,” Reverend Abera said.

“We have seen some people finding it hard to make ends meet and thankfully through this appeal we can give them some relief.”

Traditionally the appeal had focused on the collection of gifts, which will continue this year, but Target was adding a new component to the appeal.

Shoppers can drop off unwrapped gifts at the layby counter in the store or purchase a $1 bauble gift tag at the register to hang on the tree. It was hoped they would raise $1 million to provide emergency relief.

A joint statement from Target and UnitingCare said the money would assist thousands of families who struggle to celebrate Christmas, “something so many of us take for granted”.

“A gold coin or two can dramatically change the lives of people who are desperately in need of assistance.”

Chloe Heffer from Target Griffith encouraged everyone to get behind the appeal.

“It’s been great in previous years to see the generosity of the people in our community and I hope it continues again this year,” she said.

Target managing director Stuart Machin said the appeal was committed to ensuring no child missed out on the joy of opening a Christmas present.

“We are confident that through the generosity of Australians our goal can be reached to help families doing it tough this Christmas.”