Christmas is a time for giving, but for some children and families across Newcastle and the Hunter, the festive season can bring additional financial pressure and uncertainty.
If you’re looking for a local Christmas charity to support in 2026, there’s a simple way to make a meaningful difference for people in your community.
Through the St Nicholas Christmas Giving Tree, we’re partnering with CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning to help bring joy to children in care and provide practical support to individuals and families experiencing hardship across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the wider Hunter region.
Whether you’re looking to make a small Christmas donation, support a local charity or help children and families doing it tough, we’d love you to get involved.
Make a Christmas donation today
Help local children and families this Christmas
For many families across the Hunter, the rising cost of everyday essentials can make Christmas an especially challenging time.
Through our partnership with CatholicCare, donations to the St Nicholas Christmas Giving Tree will help support:
- Christmas gifts for children in care: Helping CatholicCare purchase thoughtful Christmas presents chosen around the wishes, ages and interests of children supported through its out-of-home care programs.
- Food and practical assistance for people experiencing hardship: Supporting CatholicCare’s community programs, including community kitchens that provide nutritious meals and assistance to individuals and families in need.
By donating to our Christmas appeal, you’re helping CatholicCare respond to the needs of people in communities across our region.
How much should I donate to a Christmas charity?
Every contribution is welcome, no matter the amount.
Whether you’re able to give $10, $20, $50 or more, your generosity can help CatholicCare provide gifts, meals and practical support for people who need it this Christmas.
A donation could help purchase a thoughtful gift for a child in care, contribute towards nutritious meals at a community kitchen or provide assistance to a local family experiencing hardship.
There’s no minimum amount needed to make a difference, and every donation is appreciated.
Support our local Christmas appeal
Why donate money instead of Christmas presents?
Christmas toy drives and gift appeals are wonderful ways to support children and families in need. However, financial donations offer charities additional flexibility to provide assistance where it’s most needed.
For the St Nicholas Christmas Giving Tree, we’re inviting our community to donate online rather than purchase and deliver physical gifts.
This allows CatholicCare to select presents that reflect children’s individual interests and direct funding towards other practical needs, including food and community support.
It also makes giving easier. There’s no need to shop for a present, find a collection point or arrange delivery.
You can make your Christmas donation online from home, work or wherever you are, knowing you’re supporting people in communities across Newcastle and the Hunter.
Sharing the spirit of Christmas across Newcastle and the Hunter
Our Christmas Giving Tree is inspired by our namesake, St Nicholas, who is remembered for his generosity and care for others.
At St Nicholas Early Education and OOSH, kindness, compassion and community connection are values we seek to nurture every day.
Across our network of early education centres and OOSH services throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the wider Hunter, children are being invited to explore the meaning of Christmas giving through creative experiences, conversations about helping others and opportunities to contribute to their Giving Trees.
These experiences are an opportunity for children to discover that generosity can take many forms, from offering a helping hand to sharing what we can with others.
It’s this spirit of care and community that sits at the heart of our Christmas Giving Tree.
How to donate to a local Christmas charity in Newcastle
If you’d like to support children and families experiencing hardship in Newcastle and the Hunter this Christmas, making a donation is easy.
- Visit the St Nicholas Christmas Giving Tree donation page.
- Select the amount you’d like to contribute.
- Complete your donation securely through our MyCause fundraising platform.
You don’t need to have a child attending St Nicholas to get involved. Our Christmas Giving Tree is open to anyone who would like to support the appeal, whether you’re an individual, family, local business or community organisation.
Donations close Thursday 10 December 2026, allowing CatholicCare time to allocate support ahead of Christmas.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas donations in Newcastle
Where can I donate to charity this Christmas in Newcastle?
The St Nicholas Christmas Giving Tree is a local Christmas appeal supporting children, families and individuals experiencing hardship through CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning. You can make a financial donation online through the St Nicholas website until 10 December 2026.
Are there Christmas charities supporting families in the Hunter Valley?
Yes. CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning supports people across the Hunter and Manning regions, including those experiencing financial hardship and other challenges. The St Nicholas Christmas Giving Tree raises funds to support CatholicCare’s Christmas giving and community assistance programs.
How can I help children in care this Christmas?
You can support children in out-of-home care by contributing to the St Nicholas Christmas Giving Tree. Donations help CatholicCare purchase Christmas gifts that reflect children’s individual wishes and interests.
Can local businesses donate to the Christmas Giving Tree?
Absolutely. Businesses across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Hunter are welcome to contribute to the appeal or encourage their team members to get involved.
Can I donate Christmas presents instead of money?
The 2026 St Nicholas Christmas Giving Tree is accepting financial donations rather than physical gifts. This helps CatholicCare purchase suitable gifts and direct assistance towards the needs of the children and families it supports.
Make a difference in your community this Christmas
For many of us, Christmas is about coming together, sharing special moments and showing the people around us that we care.
It’s also an opportunity to extend that kindness to others in our community.
This Christmas, we’re inviting people across Newcastle and the Hunter to share the spirit of St Nicholas by supporting children, families and individuals experiencing hardship through our Christmas Giving Tree.
Together, we can help make the festive season a little brighter for people in our region.
Donate online by Thursday 10 December 2026 and help us share the joy of giving.
Donate now to support local children and families this Christmas
Thank you for helping make a difference in our community.
