The Ararat Emergency Relief Committee's Toy and Gift Christmas Appeal has always provided the catalyst for the youngest of residents to smile come Christmas Day.

Kings Cars' Michael Smith is again hoping to see individuals and businesses get behind the cause by dropping off a present to be placed under the tree and handed out at Christmas.

"Hopefully we can break last year's total and in doing so provide gifts and toys for underprivileged children this Christmas."

Last year Ararat Emergency Relief spent more than $6,000 on the appeal and 78 families received hampers thanks to Ararat's generosity.

146 children up to the age of 14 were lucky enough to be given toys or gifts they wouldn't have normally received had it not been for the kind donations of residents.

Individuals and businesses don't just have to donate material possessions with fully tax deductible cash donations also accepted.

Mr Smith hopes that in drawing attention to the need for donations people will remember to set a little aside for those less fortunate than themselves as they hit the shops this festive season.

People can leave their donations by the Christmas tree that has sprung to life in the showroom at Kings Cars in High Street, Ararat.