SUPPORT for people in need in the Wimmera is on the way with a number of Christmas appeals launched ahead of the festive season.
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Horsham's Kmart Wishing Tree appeal launched on Wednesday with Christmas songs, carols and cake-cutting with Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Mark Radford calling on shoppers to give to the appeal.
Across the past three decades the appeal has collected more than eight million gifts nationwide which have been distributed through the Salvation Army.
Horsham Kmart manager Suzanne Puls said she hoped the store would collect more than 1000 gifts this year.
"It's great to see presents go out to all the people who need them," she said. "The Salvation Army helps three times as many people at Christmas as they do at any other time of year."
Ms Puls said it had become easier for people to donate to the appeal, with options to contribute money at the checkout by donating their spare coins or scanning a bauble tag from the Wishing Tree, as well as leaving a gift under the tree.
Gifts could include toys, sports equipment, gift cards, art supplies, toiletries and books.
Items should not be pre-wrapped.
"It's not just for children, it is for all ages because there are people in the community of all ages who don't have anyone to give them a gift," she said.
Salvation Army Horsham lieutenant Christ Sutton said he moved to Horsham in January and he had quickly appreciated the strong sense of community support.
"As a community, we need to come together, to work together, to support each other," he said. "I want to encourage all of you to think about others this Christmas - especially those who might be doing it tough."
Horsham's Christian Emergency Food Centre client assessment manager Bev Miatke said people could support their efforts by donating $30, $60 or $90 to sponsor a Christmas hamper for a Wimmera family.
She said the organisation gave out about 475 hampers last year and hoped to provide 500 this year.
Ms Miatke said people could also assist with packaging hampers at the centre on December 16.
Target Horsham would again run a Christmas appeal, with Uniting Wimmera. People can contribute through purchasing a $1 bauble or donating a gift.
Uniting Wimmera also have drop off locations for gifts at Horsham Toyworld, Anytime Fitness, Wimmera Health Care Group, Horsham's Bank of Melbourne, Country Essentials Warracknabeal, Woodbine Warracknabeal and Headspace in Horsham.
Uniting Wimmera executive officer Josh Koenig said all gift donations received would directly support Wimmera families experiencing hardship.
"Although this season is looking okay for our farmers, there is still the ongoing impact from previous poor seasons due to drought," he said. "This means people are spending less in the lead up to Christmas, impacting the local economy and job opportunities."
"Every gift donated, large or small, will make Christmas that little bit more special for families in our community," Mr Koenig said.
IGA has also launched a national Christmas Drought Appeal in partnership with Drought Angels and Vinnies.
Shoppers could purchase a $2 IGA Drought Appeal gift token from participating stores nationally, with IGA donating all proceeds equally to Vinnies and Drought Angels to distribute immediately to those in need - with a special focus on farmers.
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