The annual appeal is set to provide relief to more struggling families than ever before, many of whom have been affected by the economic downturn.

From 10am to 1pm, more than 100 volunteers are set to collect donations of food from Kings Langley residents for the Salvation Army to distribute in Christmas hampers.

Kenneth Clewes, 83, of Lalor Park, has volunteered for the appeal since it began nine years ago.

This year he will follow the walkers in a car, collecting the bags of goods as they get heavy.

``People need things and many of them can't get anything,'' Mr Clewes said. ``So to go and collect it's a big thing. Most people give readily. It's a great display of community spirit. People ransack their pantries.''

Pastor Chris Smith said in these economic times it was more important than ever before with many families ``doing it tough''.

``Many people have lost their jobs and many kids have been affected,'' he said.

``In Western Sydney a lot of blue-collar jobs are dependent on companies going well.''

People can donate anything that's non-perishable and doesn't need to be refrigerated.

``We've done a mailbox drop advising people we'll be coming. As we've seen in past years if people forget we're coming they're usually happy to grab something from their cupboards.''

The year before last, one person filled up two garbage bags of packaged foodstuffs from their pantry, he said.

Drop off donations at Seven Hills High School, Johnson Avenue, during school hours.