The annual VOCM Cares Avalon Mall Happy Tree campaign officially got underway this morning.

Major Rene Loveless of the Salvation Army says the need never goes away and they’re appreciative for a big crowd to launch the annual campaign and start accepting donations to the VOCM Happy Tree.

He says receiving the help that the Happy Tree is able to provide can make all the difference for some families who are struggling to get by.

He says some 1,000 families have already registered to receive support this Christmas. They provided hampers to 1,600 families and toys were provided to 1,800 children in the metro region last year.

The Avalon Mall was filled with festive tunes from the Salvation Army band, while families marched their way from a community breakfast down to Happy’s new location outside the new Winners.

A little help getting in the mood from the @SalArmyNL Band. #PeopleHelpingpeople @GerriLynnMackey @590VOCM @avalonmall pic.twitter.com/u5rli8TDdm

— Fred Hutton (@Fred_Hutton) November 16, 2019

Seas of smiling faces could be seen as the Happy Tree awoke for this year’s campaign.

In the meantime the Salvation Army has secured warehouse space to collect the toys thanks to Trades NL.