Nowra Salvation Army Lieutenant Matthew Sutcliffe hopes the Shoalhaven will again dig deep for the cause.

“Each year we are blown away by the support of our community and we hope it will continue again this year,” he said.

“May is all about the Red Shield for the Salvos and on May 27-28 we will be out in the community door knocking. We will also have a number of static points such as shopping centres and throughout the community where people can come and make donations.

“A number of the static points will have Eftpos machines for those who don’t carry cash themselves.

“Donations can also be made on line.”

This year it is hoped to raise more than $26,000 locally.

The theme of this year’s appeal is Hope, with “Join the army of hope givers” being the catchcry.

“We want to instill hope in the community by raising money for the Red Shield Appeal,” Lt Sutcliffe said.

“The Salvation Army has always been there to support people in need, whether it’s through our recovery programs for people suffering from addictions, emergency relief for victims in times of crisis, financial counselling for families in poverty or accommodation supports for victims of abuse and homeless people.”

He said every little bit helps.

“This year we are looking at people maybe donating $20,” he said.

“$20 is enough for us to be able to supply a winter pack to people who are experiencing homelessness.

“We really encourage people to dig deep. $20 goes a long way.”

The Salvation Army is not just looking for donations to help continue its many community based programs and ongoing support of local residents in need but also volunteers for the collection.

“We are desperately looking for volunteers,” he said.

“We are a few volunteers short this year and everyone would be welcome.

“We are particularly looking for people to join us on Sunday, May 28. They can meets us down at the Salvation Army hall on the corner of St Anns Street and Salisbury Drive in Nowra from 9am and we’ll give them the kit and send them out into the community to collect some much needs funds for the Salvation Army.”

People wanting to volunteer can also call 13SALVOS (137258) or register on line at salvos.org.au/volunteer or call the Nowra office on 4423 2102.

The Shoalhaven Salvation Army is also holding a fundraising barbecue at Bunnings South Nowra this Saturday, May 20.