Dozens of volunteers, including students from Oxley High, will be doorknocking today and tomorrow to raise money for the Salvation Army’s many support programs.

Last year just over $13,400 was collected in Tamworth, which Captain Rhonda Clutterbuck described as a “fantastic result”.

Nationally, this year, the charity is aiming for $8 million, which Rhonda said would go towards the likes of drug and alcohol recovery programs, crisis accommodation, youth services and training and financial counselling.

Rhonda, and husband Dean, also made special mention of a program few people may have heard about but which is close to their hearts.

Red Shield kids’ camps are run twice a year and give children, who could use a week’s holiday for all sorts of different reasons, a chance to spend a week having fun in Sydney.

Collectors will be around the city today and tomorrow,  and there are also collection points at Bunnings, Shoppingworld, Centrepoint, Tamworth Square and Woolworths at Eastpoint.

In a small change to the local format this year, Rhonda said students from Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School would be collecting on June 4 and 5, rather than this weekend.

And, if you miss a knock on your door, or are short of cash, for the first time people can donate to the Red Shield Appeal via text message.

Text MUSIC to 1999 2769 to donate $5 to the appeal, which will appear on your next phone bill.

Rhonda reminded everyone  to be sure to check collectors had ID, receipt books and appropriately-labelled Red Shield buckets and bags. 

It’s not too late to volunteer as a collector – either phone the Tamworth Salvation Army office on 6762 3930, or be at the office at 328 Goonoo Goonoo Rd from 9am today and tomorrow.

Collectors will leave from this point this weekend, not the Westpac Bank in Peel St as in previous years.