As the major fundraiser for the Salvation Army, the Red Shield Appeal puts the charity in a position to help people in need throughout the year.

Bathurst branch ministry assistant Emily Spindler said there is a big goal for the charity this year.

"It's our 56^th year of the Red Shield Appeal nation-wide and we are hoping across the country to raise $32 million and in the local community we are hoping to raise between $5000 and $10,000," she said.

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The Bathurst community raised around $4000 in general donations in 2020, which was a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteers were unable to go door-knocking or establish static collection points in public places, meaning donations were largely collected online.

Ms Spindler said people in Bathurst prefer to make donations in person and it is hoped that some static collection points will be available this year to help with that.

These have yet to be announced, but there is a fundraising page running on the Salvation Army website.

Donations can be made by visiting the Bathurst page.

People can also start their own fundraisers.

Money raised through the Red Shield Appeal in Bathurst is used by the local branch.

"The money comes back to the community. For instance, last year's Red Shield Appeal went to the Christmas hampers," Ms Spindler said, adding that there are a whole range of different ways the Salvos can help.

"... It's very helpful. Particularly because of COVID, there are a lot of families who have needed assistance and never have before and didn't know where to go."

She encouraged everyone who is able to give generously to this year's appeal.

"Without the people's generosity, we can't continue to do what we do," she said.

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