Kmart and the Salvation Army have been operating the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal for over 30 years, but for the appeal has come directly to Forbes for the first time this year.

The Wishing Tree Appeal focuses on collecting gifts and raising funds for daily necessities, and providing locally responsive support services and emergency relief.

The theme for this year's appeal - Small gift, big heart - has been drawn from the unprecedented need for support that has come about as a result of the pandemic, and encourages Australians to give what they can, however big or small.

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There are a variety of ways people can donate to the appeal, including in person at K-Hub, Forbes or online.

Salvation Army Forbes/Parkes Major Sandra Walmsley said people can come into the store and donate any new unwrapped item under the Wishing Tree in K-Hub.

The Salvation Army suggests donating practical items which can be used beyond Christmas such as books, school supplies, headphones or everyday essentials for all ages, such as socks, bed linen and bath towels.

People can also go online through the use of a QR code attached to the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal to purchase a gift or donate directly at the K-Hub registers.

Major Walmsley said that if people want to donate to the appeal, it is better to do it sooner rather than later to help give them time to package the items and send them to families in need.

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Major Walmsley said if people need help over the coming holiday period they can come in to see the Salvation Army on Tuesday and Wednesday of every week.

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal concludes on December 24, with coin collections running through to the end of January 2022.

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