THE Salvation Army in Bega has revealed the organisation expects to help more than 300,000 Australians in need this Christmas - helping them with the basics such as food, bills and accommodation.
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The Salvation Army is asking people in the local community to help in any way they can.
Funds are badly needed to help people in crisis.
To donate to The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or donate online at salvos.org.au/Christmas.
The Salvation Army highlighted the festive season can be a difficult time for people who are alone, facing hard times or struggling financially.
It is urging everyone in the local area to look out for others in their local community and to try to help people who may be lonely or struggling at this time.
The key is to share some hope and joy.
"Poverty and financial hardship can be extremely isolating experiences,” Lieutenant Karen Harrison of the Bega Salvos said.
“This can hit home even more during the Christmas and New Year period.
“While people are gathering to enjoy time with family and friends for the celebrations, some people are not able to even give a gift, get together with friends or go on any kind of holiday.
"What we know is that the Salvo Care Line gets more calls in the period during and after Christmas than at any other time of year.
“Last year in January, there was an 18 per cent increase in calls to Salvo Care Line," she said.
"A lot of people feel the pain and pressure of loneliness, stress, financial difficulty, relationship breakdown or family conflict during this period than at any other time of the year.
“Sometimes it is the expectations on themselves, other family members and friends and the idea of having 'a perfect time' that can cause issues."
A major survey carried out in 2014 of 2485 disadvantaged people helped by The Salvation Army points out the scale of what is happening in the Australian community.
Of the 2485 respondents, 1236 had children.
* 55% of people said they didn’t have a lot of friends and 43% said they felt lonely.
* 55% said they were not able to give presents to family or friends at least once a year.
* 88% said they couldn’t afford at least a week’s holiday away from home each year.
* 38% said they didn’t have regular social contact with other people.
* 26% said they didn’t have a good meal at least once a day.
The Salvation Army will serve around 10,000 meals in the lead up to Christmas and on the day itself.
It is estimated over half a million toys and gifts will be distributed to people in need - through the generosity of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.
At least 100,000 food vouchers and hampers will be given to people in need.
Lieutenant Harrison also offered some tips on how to spread goodwill.
“Compliment other people and tell them why you value them - never underestimate the power of words,” she said.
“Find elderly people who live locally and do something practical to help them.
"Identify two or three people that you know are having a tough time and try and work out something practical you could do to help them.
“Volunteer time to the Salvos or another cause, to help make lives better.
“Give to help someone less fortunate than you.”
The Salvos said anyone needing support can call their free 24/7 counselling service - Salvo Care Line - on 1300 36 36 22.
The Salvation Army has a network of local churches around the nation with many offering a range of activities leading up to Christmas including carol singing and Christmas Day church services.
Some also offer community Christmas lunches.
Details will be listed on www.salvos.org.au/Christmas.
