The collection will be supplemented by barbecues at the Kempsey Kat Klub Show on Saturday and at Woolworths on Sunday.

Doorknocks to collect donations will be held in Crescent Head and Stuarts Point at the weekend.

Kempsey Salvation Army Captain Karen Keddie said the need for the Salvation Army’s services was a great as ever.

“With winter setting in people need our help as much as they ever did,” Captain Keddie said.

“They need warmth and shelter and food it brings into focus the problem of homelessness or not having a permanent place to sleep."

The Red Shield Appeal 2015 was launched yesterday in conjunction with Kempsey Shire Council.

Mayor Liz Campbell said the aims of the Salvation Army appeal aligned closely with the council’s social values.

“The council promotes the values we aspire to in the Macleay Valley as being healthy, wealthy, safe and sociable,” mayor Campbell said.

“The Salvation Army is a well respected, long standing part of the community and we are pleased to be associated with the Red Shield Appeal.

“It is also a good opportunity for people to donate and give back something to the valley.”