Major Cathy Rogerson said there would be more than 200 collectors in Tamworth and they were hoping to reach the 300 mark across the weekend.

“We are aiming for $45,000 from Tamworth and the surrounding area,” she said.

“Last year we raised $30,000 and didn’t reach our target.”

Major Rogerson said times were tougher, which meant there was more strain on their services, but people were always willing to give what they could.

“We rarely have a knockback – if people can, they usually give,” she said. This is the only doorknock appeal the Salvation Army has, with the money helping local services.

“The money all goes into a big pool, but we spend more in Tamworth than we collect, so everything comes back here,” Major Rogerson said.

“We have quite a big centre in Tamworth. Three people just do financial counselling, with one lady doing no-interest loans, and two people doing drug and alcohol counselling and emergency relief. We would see up to 40 people a week just for that. We also run our warehouse and shop.”

As well as volunteers doorknocking, they will also be manning tables around the CBD and sporting venues at the weekend.