Mailee Ballam, the Gawler commanding officer, said the local activities receive a lot of funding through the Red Shield appeal.

“We get a lot more back than we put in,” Mailee said.

“We have a wish list this year for 100 collectors, and a target of $10,000.”

Gawler is home to a terrific example of how the money raised through the Red Shield Appeal benefits the community.

The Salvation Army Gawler drop-in centre receives $25,000 each year, which helps to provide a three-course meal - for just a cold coin donation - for about 80 people each Friday evening.

Those who join in for this meal also have the opportunity to take some basic food items home with them.

Mailee said that if someone knocks on your door you can be sure that your donation is used to help your community.

“People should know that their money is staying at home,” she said.

The Red Shield Appeal has been collecting money for Salvation Army projects for more than 40 years.

To register as a volunteer, or for more information, please contact Becky Sykes on 8237 9489. To donate money to the appeal you can phone 13 72 58, visit any Westpac branch or log onto the Salvation Army website.

Red Shield collectors are easily identified by the clear identification tags they wear on the big doorknock weekend.