Queenslanders are leading the way in the gift-giving stakes for the national Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal with more than 6,000 gifts already collected in the first week of the campaign.

Not only is Queensland powering ahead of the other states (ahead of NSW by 1,200 gifts and Victoria by 2,700 gifts), the gift tally is almost 100 per cent up from the same period last year.

Week one last year saw 3,457 gifts donated, while this year the stores have already collected 6,253 presents.

The Sunshine Coast's Maroochydore Kmart is leading the State's gift tally with a whopping 965 gifts already being collected.

The Toowoomba store is in second place with a total of 679 gifts, followed by Bundaberg which has had 588 presents donated to date.

More than 50,000 Queensland adults, teenagers and children in need are expected to benefit from the generosity of Queenslanders, whose donations will be distributed by valued charity partner, The Salvation Army.

With record numbers of Australians expected to seek welfare assistance this Christmas following the economic downturn, this year the Appeal is aiming to collect 400,000 gifts nationally.

The Queensland target for 2009 is 57,000 gifts, which is 5,000 more than last year. Anyone wanting to participate in the Appeal can place a wrapped or unwrapped gift under a Christmas Wishing Tree located at any Kmart store right up until Christmas Eve.

Salvation Army Captain Derek Whitehouse has called for Queenslanders to deliver presents early so they can be delivered to families and individuals in need straight away.

"While Queensland is off to a flying start, we still need to collect and distribute more than 50,000 gifts for those less fortunate this Christmas so I urge all Queenslanders who are planning on making a donation to do so soon," Captain Whitehouse said.

"And while we are blown away by how many gifts have been donated to date, there is still a severe under-supply of gifts suitable for teenagers and adults.

"So I would like to encourage all of our valued donors to consider donating towards these age groups.

"We're all starting to think of Christmas presents for our loved ones but it's important that we also remember those who may be struggling at this time of year. By placing a gift under your local Kmart Wishing Tree you'll be doing your bit to ensure one more Queenslander has a merry Christmas."

For more information on the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal visit http://wishingtree.kmart.com.au/ or call 1800 124 125.

Ends.

For further information, interviews or photos please contact:

Katrina Witham

Publicity Queen

M 0439 997 787