A long-standing Cromwell initiative is working to provide gifts for individuals and families in the area who may be struggling during the festive season. 

The Cromwell Secret Santa scheme, now in its 21st year, is a community-led effort that provides anonymous Christmas gifts to people across the town who are experiencing hardship.  

Coordinated by two local women and fuelled entirely by donations, the scheme supports babies through to older adults. 

The initiative began with local hairdresser Bev Quayle, who started collecting gifts after a conversation with a client involved with the local food bank highlighted the lack of toys available for some children at Christmas. 

Julie Moreton, who joined the project more than 15 years ago and now coordinates the scheme alongside Bev, says confidentiality is central to how it operates. 

Her role includes gathering recipient names through professional referral agencies such as schools, churches, doctors and social workers, ensuring privacy for those receiving help. 

In recent years, the scope of the scheme has expanded beyond children. 

“We do adults now because adults need the Christmas cheer as well. It’s not just about kids,” Julie said. 

That change has also lifted the standard of donations. 

“The quality has really stepped up. It’s mainly all new or really good condition,” she said. 

At the heart of the scheme is anonymous generosity, with neither donors nor recipients knowing each other’s identities. 

“It doesn’t actually matter what’s in the pack. They don’t actually care. It’s the fact that someone has put their name forward,” Julie said. 

The scheme relies entirely on community goodwill, with donations coming from individuals, families and even children giving up their own toys. 

“People are giving to complete strangers,” Julie said. 

“If it wasn’t for the community, then Secret Santa wouldn’t exist.” 

This year, five public collection trees have been placed around Cromwell, at ANZ, Paper Plus, Target, On Point Glass Services and NRG Gym. 

When packing gifts for children, organisers follow a simple formula: something to love, something to play with, something to do, and books.  

For adults and families, the team adds shared festive treats such as chocolates and shortbread. 

Deliveries are made discreetly, often timed so children are not present, helping preserve the surprise on Christmas morning. 

Over the years, donations have ranged from bicycles and trampolines to an electric guitar.  

The memory of gifting that last one stuck with Julie, who recalled the parent saying their son had been receiving guitar lessons, but the family couldn’t afford to buy the guitar.  

The Cromwell Lions Club also plays a key role, providing a storage container, so donations can be collected and sorted year-round. 

For the volunteers behind the scenes, the motivation remains unchanged. 

“Waking up on Christmas morning knowing that we’ve made a difference.”