The people of Cessnock are encouraged to dig deep and support the Salvos by making a donation or by giving a few hours of their time as a doorknock volunteer.

Cessnock corps officer, Lieutenant Darryn Lloyd says the Salvation Army helps the local community in many ways.

“The services are very personal – it helps the homeless find housing and gives the person fleeing domestic violence a helping hand,” Lt Lloyd said.

The Salvos’ welfare program can help people with electricity bill payments, and it provides a foodbank that helps 20-to-30 families each week.

The court ministry team provides coffee and tea to people attending Cessnock Courthouse on Wednesdays.

“We lend a listening ear and referrals to a range of addiction and other services,” Lt Lloyd said.

In conjunction with Oasis, access to drug and alcohol counselling for local 12-to-25-year-olds is available through the Salvation Army.

The Salvos provided toys for 316 local children last Christmas, and this year have already helped to send five young people to a camp in Sydney.

“Some of these kids have never seen the beach or been to Sydney,” Lt Lloyd said.

The Salvation Army craft group also offers an social outlet for women each Monday, while its low-cost playgroup ($1 a session) provides an opportunity for mothers to meet other mothers and children to learn important preschool attendance social skills.

The elderly are also looked after – more than 240 hankies and soap packs were distributed by the Salvos to residents in local nursing homes at Christmas, and a similar amount of Easter eggs at Easter, while the Community Care Ministries perform weekly concerts at the nursing homes.

The Salvos’ emergency service teams provide practical assistance and a food service to community members or responders in times of emergency.

All of this accompanies its range of church and religious services, including a women's group (Home League), bible studies, Sunday chapel and Sunday school.

In order for The Salvation Army to meet the growing demand on its services, the community’s support is needed now more than ever.

This year’s Red Shield Appeal aims to raise $8 million nationwide, and about 60,000 volunteers will be required to achieve that goal.

To register as a volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal, call 13 72 58 or visit salvos.org.au/volunteer. Donations can also be made by phone and online, or in person at any Westpac branch.