Christmas can be a challenging time for children and young people in State care. Some may be unable to spend Christmas with their family, others may have recently entered care with very few belongings. Some may be spending Christmas in a residential care home.
To help brighten the season, the Department of Communities (Communities) runs a Christmas Presents for Children in Care initiative each year to bring joy and comfort to thousands of young people across Western Australia.
Run by volunteers, this initiative has been in operation since 2012, with more and more Government Departments and organisations taking part each year.
2025 wrap up
Last Christmas, thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, volunteers and over 60 partner organisations, this initiative delivered more than 6,300 gifts to children and young people. It was a heart-warming effort supported by Communities staff and over a dozen government departments.
Check out our Christmas Presents for Children in Care Drive video:
2026
The 2026 Christmas Presents for Children in Care Drive is live!
If your organisation wants to join in on the spirit of giving, you can volunteer by donating gifts or assisting with gift deliveries.
Each year, gifts need to be transported to regional locations across WA. If your agency undertakes regional travel in November and December, you can register to become a ‘Sleigh Driver’ and help children in care living in remote locations receive their gifts.
Register your interest by emailing northpole@communities.wa.gov.au.
Once you are registered, our team of elves will be in touch with more details.
FAQs
How does the drive work in my organisation?
Show moreOne or more staff members from your organisation act as coordinators (your “Elves”).
- Your Elves promote the drive internally and gauge interest among staff.
- They then advise Communities of how many children your organisation would like to support.
- Communities provides a list of children (first name only, sometimes with an initial), along with their age, gender and interests to help guide gift selection.
- Your Elves distribute these details to participating staff.
- Staff bring in their wrapped and labelled gifts by an agreed date.
- Presents are then either delivered to or collected by Communities and distributed to children across WA via carers, Christmas parties, or Communities staff on home visits.
Can I register for more than one child?
Show moreAbsolutely! Many donors support more than one child. Tell your Elf how many children you would like to support.
What kind of gift should I buy?
Show moreYou’ll receive age, interests, and gift suggestions for your assigned child. If you’re giving a gift card, please ensure the child can access the store – especially if they live in a remote area.
What’s the deadline for gift drop-off?
Show moreYour Elf will set an internal deadline for collecting gifts, based on the agreed delivery or pickup date with Communities. To ensure timely delivery, gifts must be at Communities by:
- Thursday 26 November 2026 – Regional locations
- Thursday 3 December 2026 – Perth metropolitan areas
How can I promote this initiative further?
Show moreYou can download our promotional poster (ZIP, 9.43MB), fill in the blank space with any relevant details specific to your organisations, and share it with your networks – whether that’s your workplace, community group, school or social media.
Can I volunteer in other ways?
Show moreYes! If your organisation will be travelling to locations such as the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest, or Southwest in late November or early December and can assist by transporting a few boxes of gifts, please contact us at northpole@communities.wa.gov.au.
