Each year, the organisation aims to put together toy hampers that families can select for their children.

It can take the pressure off for families that may otherwise not be in a position to give gifts.

Parade thinks it’s wonderful what our local Salvos are doing, but the volunteers can’t do it all themselves.

Community members are encouraged to donate toys or other gifts for children to the organisation, which can be given to kids in need. 

Items for older children are needed in particular, and the suggestion is a gift card, as it can be hard to buy for those older than 12 years.

Any items donated to the Salvos need to be new, sealed and unwrapped.

To help deliver the toys to the organisation, a toy run will be held on December 8 by riders from the Bathurst and District Hobos and Panorama Motorcycle clubs. 

Riders will stop at Bathurst Showground, the Bridge Hotel at Perthville, Neville Hotel, Royal Hotel Mandurama, Royal Hotel Carcoar and the Blayney Bowling Club. 

EARLIER this year, the internet was abuzz over a series of collectibles being offered to Coles customers, called the Little Shop.

Parade didn’t find herself caught up in the craze, but there were a lot of family and friends who were desperate to collect them.

She has to admit that when the collectibles were no longer available, she was quite relieved there would be no more public appeals for mini detergents, toothpaste or teabags. 

But then the news came out on Monday that Coles would be bringing out a further five collectibles in time for Christmas. 

They will all be Christmas-themed and be available from December 7. 

Parade is confident a few parents will be forced to change their shopping habits to get the collectibles for their kids and perhaps set up a few trade deals to get all five. 

She just hopes no one will spend thousands of dollars on Ebay this time around.