THE annual Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal raised more than $6000 in Wangaratta.

The Wangaratta Salvos this year opted to locate collection points at Big W, Coles, Bunnings and the post office, rather than doorknock.

Peter Lewis, who heads the work of the Salvation Army in Wangaratta, said the Salvos collected a little more than $6000 at the collection points over the five days they operated.

"The appeal had been down over the past few years but this year the total is approximately 20 per cent up on 2021," Mr Lewis said.

"The Salvation Army would like to sincerely thank all those who contributed to this total.

"This includes those who donated time to collect and help in a variety of ways.

"We would like to thank Bunnings, Big W, Coles and the post office for their assistance in facilitating our collection points."

Now in its 56th year, the Red Shield Appeal is the Salvos flagship fundraising appeal and aims to raise $36 million nationally.

In Victoria the Salvos aim to raise $1 million in local collections to be used on the vital services in the local community.

Mr Lewis said the money raised locally will be used for a variety of services, such as emergency relief including accommodation and support of Loaves and Fishes – Christian Caring who provide food relief.

Some of the money will be used for the Outreach Connections Program that supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have a disability.

Money raised will also be spent on mental health services, which a recent Salvation Army report showed was a big issue in the local area.

Mr Lewis thanks the local community for supporting the Salvos and the work they undertake in Wangaratta.

The appeal continues until the end of June with locals able to make a donation on the Red Shield website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/red–shield–appeal/.

"If you have the means, please consider donating to the Red Shield Appeal this year," Mr Lewis said.