The campaign was launched on Friday morning and by lunchtime, generous members of the community had already started dropping off gifts for local children in need.

The BDN has partnered with Bega Lions, Bega Rotary, the Sapphire Coast Ulysses Motorcycle Club in putting the call out to readers, local businesses and the wider community to place Christmas gifts under our tree from now until December 20.

The gifts will be distributed to local children and families in need by the Bega Salvos and Vinnies, the Bega District Hospital and now Anglicare has come on board as well.

To help us brings smiles to as many children as possible this Christmas, purchase and place an unwrapped gift under the tree in the BDN office on the corner of Carp and Gipps St, Bega.

We’re hoping for a wide range of toys and sporting equipment suitable for handing out to boys and girls from toddlers to 15 years old.