Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army Brendan Nottle says the work of the Salvation Army is not simply to gift people with toys or meals, but “it’s about giving people Christmas”.

Mr Nottle said over the past months the demand for the organisation’s services had increased and he believed it would continue to rise into 2021 as they expect people to line up in numbers “never seen before”.

“What we’re expecting over Christmas is about half a million people across the nation needing help with toys and gifts. We’re seeing people who need help with really practical things like meals as well,” he told Sky News host Peta Credlin.

“The thing about our work is it’s not just about giving a toy, it’s not just about giving people a gift or a meal, it’s about giving people Christmas.”

Mr Nottle said the organisation was in need of donations to continue delivering its services.

“People may not be in a position to give what they could give previously, but whatever they can give would be deeply appreciated,” he said.

Donations can be made to The Salvation Army either through the website, salvationarmy.org.au or by dialling 13SALVOS.