Held over the weekend of May 25-26, the appeal has set a national target of raising $8 million.

The money raised from the Red Shield Appeal will go towards The Salvation Army's vast network of services that continue to help Australians in need.

Over the past 12 months, the Salvos have supported more than 38,000 people experiencing homelessness, 14,000 people overcoming addiction, provided more than 50,000 financial counselling sessions, given care to 5,000 people experiencing family violence, and assisted more than 150,000 people with emergency relief.

You will find volunteer collectors at Salamander Bay Square, The Salvation Army Family Store, Nelson Bay Woolworths, Bunnings and the Anna Bay IGA.

If you can give a few hours to help during the Red Shield Appeal weekend, get in touch with the Salvation Army.

"The Red Shield Appeal is a fun and simple way that Australians can really make a difference in alleviating the hardship being faced by so many people, right across our nation," Salvation army Envoy Howard Koutnik said.

"Hardship does not discriminate. More Australians from all walks of life are turning to The Salvation Army for help and we need the public's support now to ensure we can continue to help those doing it tough.

"We all have the opportunity to be beacons of hope for others and by partnering with the Salvos for just a few hours over the Red Shield Appeal weekend, you can give hope where it's needed most.

"Here in Port Stephens we are fortunate to have many hope givers such as Keith and Diana Barnard and we are always seeking volunteer helpers."

To volunteer for this year's Red Shield Appeal, interested people can call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvationarmy.org.au.

Or people ca can donate to the Red Shield Appeal by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), online at salvationarmy.org.au, in person at any Westpac branch or Salvos Stores or by posting your cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.