Known as Australia's largest and longest-running gift collection appeal, Kmart's Wishing Tree has been delivering Christmas presents to disadvantaged families locally for 34 years, with a long history of partnering with The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army's services are proving vital following two years of COVID interference, yet Wagga's Wishing Tree appeal has seen far fewer donations this year than usual since launching on November 8.

Kmart Wishing Tree champion Virginia Auld has worked at Kmart for 34 years and has led the Wagga store's toy drive for 17 of them, suggesting several reasons as to why the initiative has seen fewer gifts.

"Usually, we have a big launch, but because of COVID we weren't able to and haven't now for the last two years, unfortunately," she said.

"Normally, when we have a launch, I'd have the kindergarten class from North Wagga come and sing because that brings mums and dads and spreads the importance to those families, but that's kind of being lost."

Ms Auld wishes to promote the positive impact donating to the appeal has for those who may not experience a good Christmas otherwise.

"If you donate something here, it's going to go to someone in the Wagga area," she said.

"We suggest things like school supplies and things like that, especially more so at the moment because of COVID and with people having lost jobs and lost hours, money's not going to be as readily available to some people.

"It's a simple way of helping out those that aren't fortunate enough ... when it first started, it was for kids, but now it's for basically anybody, from grandparents right down to new babies."

The Salvation Army's Christmas appeal launched in Wagga today, supported by Rabbitohs star Mark Nicholls.

Mr Nicholls, who grew up in Leeton, has been volunteering with the Salvation Army since moving to South Sydney four years ago.

Inspired by former teammate Nate Myles, the 31-year-old thought it would be a great way to give back to the community.

"I try to help out wherever I can," Mr Nicholls said.

"With the bubbles we've had over the last couple of years, I haven't been able to go back as regularly as I would have liked, but at stages, I've been going about one month to help the outreach program to feed the homeless."

Wagga Salvation Army corps officer David Hopewell said that it is important now more than ever to support those in need, especially coming to the end of what has been a difficult year for many.

"Christmas is a time of joy for most people, but it's a time of struggle for a lot of people as well," he said

"There's an awful lot of hardship out there, especially in these tough times, and salvos don't want to see anybody go without hope this year, so we're trying to raise a little bit of money and a little bit of awareness so that kids can receive the presents that they deserve."

The Salvation Army have several donation points where those with the ability to, can donate food and toys, including Kmart's Wishing Tree.

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