ON DECEMBER 25 every year, millions of children wake up, hearts pounding with eyes the size of rock melons, and race out to the Christmas tree to see if Santa has been.

Some frolic in the excitement of a new bike, hoon around on their skateboard or play with their doll house.

And some wake up to nothing.

Bank of Queensland Warwick has jumped on board with The Smith Family's Toy and Book Appeal, where they collect presents for disadvantaged children.

BOQ owner-manager Gary Kelly said the branch had been working with the charity for the past three years and felt it a worthy cause.

"I have kids and I would hate to think they wouldn't get Christmas presents," Mr Kelly said.

"It's easy to sometimes get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our own lives and to forget how truly lucky we are.

"Many families in our local community aren't as fortunate as others and the reality is that a number of children will wake up on Christmas morning with no presents to unwrap."

For this year's appeal, The Smith Family is particularly keen to receive educational games, art sets, sporting equipment and books for children in the 6 - 12-year-old-age group, so drop your gifts down to the BOQ branch and change a child's life this Christmas.

To coincide with the appeal, BOQ Warwick yesterday celebrated its fifth birthday.

"The success of it is due to all the wonderful staff we've had here over the past five years, particularly my customer service manager Dianne Crowe who has been here since the beginning," Mr Kelly said.

He said he hoped to stay with the team at BOQ for at least another 20 years.