The Salvation Army toy appeal co-ordinator says all children deserve new presents on Christmas Day.
This has drawn widespread condemnation from detractors shocked at the Salvation Army’s consumer-driven stance, with many saying they will not be supporting their appeal.
The Salvation Army’s territorial social services secretary, Pam Waugh, said for many children this would be the only time of the year they would be getting something new.
She said in the past people had donated toys that were worn or embarrassing for any child to receive.
Other charities have resorted to un-wrapping donated goods this year to ensure children don’t end up with a nasty surprise on Christmas morning.
Auckland City Missioner, Dame Diane Robertson, said although it doesn’t happen often, they sometimes find half-eaten food, dirty clothing, and worse in among the items sent in.
She said the church’s aim was to give poor children a Christmas similar to their peers.
“What we’re talking about here is a group of children who have very few material possessions,”said Waugh.
“In our society there’s quite a stigma attached to that so we’re acutely aware Christmas time is when children from these families are in dire material deprivation and they can be quite highly conscious of that poverty,” she said.
“This is our chance to make sure these kids get something very special under the tree.”
Waugh said they cater for all children under 17, but the teenagers were particularly hard.
“It’s always a hard choice what to give your teenagers anyway, but we cater for all the children, but if people can think of teenagers, we’re really grateful for that.”
Old toys would still be used if they were suitable.
“We put them up for families to take, some of the things are really good and we’re grateful for that.”
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