At the Caroline Chisholm Society, the festive season is a time to come together and support families with warmth, dignity, and joy.

Our much-loved Annual Santa Shop is a special event where families we support can choose gifts for their children in a welcoming, festive environment.

What Is the Santa Shop?

The Santa Shop is more than just a place to pick up presents – it’s a joyful experience for families who may be facing tough times.

Parents and carers are invited to select gifts for their children, which are then beautifully wrapped by our volunteers.

The event includes:

• A visit from Santa (with photo opportunities!)
• BBQ lunch and festive treats
• Face painting and kids’ activities
• A warm, supportive and safe space to celebrate the season

1. Donate Gifts

Help us stock the Santa Shop with new, unwrapped presents for children aged 0-6 only – from newborns to six year olds. Think toys, books, games, puzzles, and family experiences and more!

This year, we’re also gratefully accepting pre-loved toys that are in excellent, gift-giving condition.

We kindly ask that you do not donate:

• Used soft toys
• Toys with rips, stains or tears
• Toys with missing pieces or broken parts
• Toys that no longer work

Before donating, please:

• Give toys a gentle clean
• Remove any batteries

When you drop off your items, our team will double-check donations to make sure everything is safe and suitable for our families.

We have created a form here, with some useful links and information to help you create your shopping list.

2. Make a Financial Contribution

Your donation helps us purchase gifts, food, and festive extras to make the day magical.

1. Art supplies for face paining 
2. Christmas themed decorations 
3. Santa for the Day 
4. Food for our volunteers and families
5. Gifts for our Santa Shop

3. Sponsor an Experience

Give the gift of memories – sponsor a family outing or experience they can enjoy together.

Find ideas via our:

4. Volunteer Your Time

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help before and during our Santa Shop. Key roles include:

• Gift Wrappers
• Event Helpers
• Volunteer Photographer (WWCC & police check required)
• Face Painter (WWCC & police check required)

Corporate volunteering teams are welcome, if you are to volunteer as an individual, a working with children check and police check will be required.

If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch with Dinushka at doneill@caroline.org.au to discuss further details.