The Sunshine Marketplace is asking the community to help it spread some festive cheer across Brimbank.
The marketplace has teamed up with the Salvation Army and is stuffing stockings for those less fortunate this Christmas.
For a gold coin donation customers can collect a stocking to fill with a small toy, school supplies or a hygiene item.
Each stocking will then be placed in a Christmas-themed fireplace set next to the food court.
Sunshine Marketplace centre manager Mark Hallowell encouraged the community to get behind the cause.
“We are fortunate at the Sunshine Marketplace to be able to provide a destination for our community to come together and help those less fortunate at a time when they need our support most,” he said.
Stockings can be collected and donated until Saturday, December 23.
With the countdown to Christmas well and truly on, the marketplace has also managed to secure a special guest.
Santa will make an appearance from noon this Saturday and in a change from tradition, he has enlisted the help of Siberian huskies to lead his sleigh into Sunshine.
Mr Hallowell said the switch to the huskies was to ensure the reindeer are well rested before their big day.
“Santa tells us the reindeers are resting at the North Pole before their work begins on Christmas Eve,” he said.
“We’re lucky to have Santa at Sunshine Marketplace and know his huskies will prove to be a hit with our customers this Christmas.”
