The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal, one of the most widely known charity appeals, is now open.
In its 61st year the appeal is aiming to raise $38 million and the Salvation Army's Major Warren Elliot said all of the money raised in Gippsland will stay in Gippsland to support people experiencing hardship.
He said the main concerns of people in Gippsland were affordable housing, homelessness and mental health.
Major Elliot said the Salvation Army provided the most disadvantaged and vulnerable could not happen without the ongoing and loyal support of the community and called for people to donate or volunteer to help raise funds that were desperately needed.
He said there were many ways people can support the appeal including volunteering to collect at shopping centres and other locations, door knocking, online fund-raising, organising a collection at their workplace school, or sporting event.
Major Elliot said that last year the Salvation Army's 400 centres across Australia provided more than 1.1 million bed nights for those needing accommodation and more than 1.5 million meals for those accessing its homelessness services.
To donate or volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal, or if they need support from the Salvos, they should visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.
Donations can also be made at any Salvos store.