LAST year the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal collected half a million gifts for less-fortunate families around the country.

Beating that tally will be no mean feat this year but Tweed Heads South Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal champion Alison Coverdale is confident the chain stores can pull through.

"This is the 24th year of the appeal and I know the public will get behind us again like they do every year."

The appeal got underway yesterday with the official launch at the Tweed Heads South store.

The Tweed Heads Public School junior choir sang Ordinary Miracle and Blue Gum Christmas Tree before presenting a gift to Santa to place under the tree.

The choir students were all presented with vouchers from Don Stalker and Jeff Bell of Gold Coast McDonalds.

Tweed Heads Salvation Army church leader Captain Alwyn Robinson said he was always shocked by the generosity of strangers.

He said the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal generated more gifts than any other appeal.

"The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is a very important part of what we can do for the community," Captain Robinson said.

"We get to be Santa on your behalf, the privilege is ours."

Store manager Paul Coleman has urged the Tweed community to jump on board by donating a gift or making a cash donation at the checkout.

"These gifts are given to people in need and we hope everyone can get involved," Mr Coleman said.

"We get to be Santa on your behalf, the privilege is ours."