Kmart and The Salvation Army are coming together for the 38th year to help support those doing it tough at Christmas and beyond.

The community is encouraged to embrace the spirit of giving this year by supporting the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, Australia’s largest and longest-running gift collection drive.

Wangaratta Salvation Army Captain Stan Oldfield said the initiative is a great way for people to to help the Salvation Army to help people who otherwise will not have anything for the kids for Christmas.

"We live in an affluent society and we tend to forget that quite a lot of people are really struggling, especially at the moment with the cost of living," he said.

"This is one of the ways to give these kids and these families a little bit of extra for something to have a little bit of fun at Christmas.

"We have a lot of local families that are really, really struggling."

Stan said last year Wangaratta Kmart saw 150 families register for assistance.

"We've only just opened registrations, and we've got five or six families registered already," he said.

"We're expecting anything up to another 100 to 150 registrations.

"I encourage anyone who can afford it to give.

"If you're struggling, maybe keep something for your kids, but if you're single or you're well off, give something to someone who doesn't have a lot.

"Give something to someone who won't know you gave it to them, you'll never actually get a thank you, but you'll make their Christmas."

You can donate by making a monetary contribution in store, or online, or giving a gift in store.

This year, Kmart are especially hoping for gifts that will bring joy to teenagers and help families connect and share special moments together.

Some gift ideas include outdoor equipment, board games, headphones, gift cards, educational toys, backpacks, or arts and crafts.

Gifts do not need to be purchased at Kmart, but they need to be unwrapped, the appeal is unable to accept used or second-hand gifts.

For more information, visit https://www.kmart.com.au/kmartwishingtree/.