CHRISTMAS is always a busy time for the Salvos.
But this year, is likely to be busier than most.
The drought, the fires, and the COVID-19 pandemic have meant more people are doing it tough this year, with many living below the poverty line.
Local Salvos branches hope to ease the burden with a little joy and Christmas spirit this year.
"It has been such a hard year, we thought it would be nice to do something nice and a bit special," Lyn Gilmour, a community worker with The Salvation Army, said. "We are hoping to fill up our church with Christmas trees."
The Salvos hope schools, businesses and community members will decorate a Christmas tree to appear in their "Avenue of Trees".
Visitors are invited to come and walk through the Christmas trees and displays, and encouraged to leave cans and other non-perishable food as gifts for those in need.
It comes as The Salvation Army launches its annual Christmas Appeal to raise $12 million to help Australians in need.
This year, through its frontline mission, the Salvos have helped more than 80,000 people impacted by COVID-19, providing more than $10 million in financial assistance.
At Christmas, Salvation Army teams will distribute more than 30,000 hampers and vouchers, give out more than $1.3 million worth of gifts and toys, and support more than 50,000 families in need.
They will provide more than 130,000 meals, and 65,000 beds for those who need a place to stay.
Mrs Gilmour said they were already seeing more people seeking help this year in Newcastle.
"We are seeing people we have never seen before," she said. "There is a huge need."
The Christmas Avenue of Trees event will be on from 6-to-8.30pm, December 11 to 13, at 67 Cleary Street, Hamilton. Then Eastlakes Salvos at Belmont North will host their event from December 20 to 21.
"We hope it will bring people together, in a COVID-safe way, to get out of the house and do something Christmassy while also giving to others," she said.
Get involved and decorate a Christmas tree with your colleagues, community, or school by calling 4969 8066.
IN THE NEWS:
- Record infrastructure spending to stimulate the state's post-pandemic economy
- Wild storm in Newcastle: trees fall on cars, houses in Shortland, SES crews to work through Tuesday, November 17
- Tax cuts, food vouchers in virus budget
- Coal, energy policy and climate change bring Canberra heavyweights to the Hunter Region
