University of the Sunshine Coast staff have pitched in to help local families have a happier Christmas by donating 15 baskets of books and toys – plus a bicycle – to charity organisation The Smith Family.

USC Human Resources Adviser Tim Spratling this week presented the gifts, along with $500 cash, to Nancy McCam and Marion Allan of The Smith Family for distribution to their clients.

Mr Spratling said the money was raised at the recent annual USC staff swimming carnival, while gifts for The Smith Family’s Toy and Book Appeal had been collected in offices around campus throughout November.

The Smith Family is Australia’s largest national education-oriented charity. It supports disadvantaged Australian children to participate fully in their education, giving them the best chance at breaking the cycle of disadvantage.

The organisation’s learning support and mentoring programs help children in need to fit in at school, keep up with their peers, and build aspirations for a better future for themselves.

— Terry Walsh