MyState Bank have partnered with The Smith Family this festive season to help the national children’s education charity put smiles on the faces of disadvantaged children across Australia.

During the month of December, all MyState braches around Tasmania have become donation points for The Smith Family’s annual Toy & Book Appeal.

Each MyState branch will collect donations of new toys and books to allow 12,000 disadvantaged children to share in the joy of receiving and opening presents this Christmas.

Each year, The Smith Family gathers around 36,000 new toys and 23,500 new books to deliver to disadvantaged families across the country by 20 December.

MyState CEO Melos Sulicich said he was proud of MyState’s involvement in assisting such a worthwhile cause.

“Being able to wake up on Christmas morning and unwrap presents is something that many of us probably take for granted,” said Mr Sulicich.

“Through no fault of their own, thousands of children around Tasmania will not receive a gift this Christmas.

“MyState is encouraging all Tasmanians to please donate to The Smith Family’s Toy & Book Appeal this December, and bring a little Christmas cheer to a child who may otherwise miss out.”

The Smith Family has a long and proud association with Christmas since it was founded in 1922 when five businessmen delivered gifts to orphans on Christmas Eve. While today the charity’s year round focus is on helping disadvantaged children to thrive at school, giving toy and books at Christmas is a nod to the organisation’s heritage and its care for the families it supports.

The Smith Family’s Tasmania General Manager, Alison Standen said that they toys and books will be distributed to families who receive their educational support throughout the year.

“All children should be able to share in the festivities of Christmas, but this is not the reality for the thousands of children across Australia in families who are struggling financially,” said Ms Standen.

“For a child living in disadvantage, Christmas can be an incredibly isolating experience and a reminder of what sets them apart from their friends and peers.

“We are relying on the kindness of the public to donate new toys and books to support our Toy & Book Appeal – so that we can help these children to feel included in the joys of Christmas.”

Every MyState branch around the state will be collecting donations on behalf of The Smith Family and each branch is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

MyState branch locations

South  Glenorchy – 366 Main Road  Hobart – 144 Collins Street  Kingston – Shop 1, Kingston Plaza  New Norfolk – 45 High Street  New Town – Shop 9 New Town Plaza  Rosny – 11 Bayfield Street North  Kings Meadows – Centro Meadow Mews Shopping Centre  Launceston – 67 St John Street North West  Burnie – 87 Wilson Street  Devonport – 53 Best Street
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