WHAT started out as a family thing designed to teach kids about giving to others has grown into a Christmas tradition at the Park Avenue Cafe in Hurstville.
Ever since his two children were small, cafe owner Daniel Pittman has made a point of taking them to the wishing tree at Kmart or Target to buy a present for someone less fortunate.
Eventually that idea extended to his cafe which is surrounded by office blocks and lots of workers wanting good coffee and breakfast or lunch.
It wasn't too difficult to tap into their generosity.
Last year the cafe's clients donated 150 gifts for the Benevolent Society's Fostering Young Lives program.
This Christmas the Benevolent Society staff got to wrap up more than 250 parcels.
"We were more organised this year — I put tags on the tree with the children's ages written on them," Mr Pittman said.
"They just grabbed a tag off the tree."
Some workplaces, rather than the usual secret Santa staff gift exchange, gave gifts to the children instead.
Several companies donated money.
"We're just a catalyst," Mr Pittman said.
"It's the surrounding community that got involved and donated the presents."