Christian evangelical movement Salvation Army is seeking help for its annual Red Shield Appeal. It is asking the Gympie people to dig deep, saying that their need for funds is "absolutely critical".

The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army's annual fundraiser for its vast network of social and community services. Cities and regional areas in Australia call upon the Salvos for help every year.

Aged care, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, child care and community care, financial counselling, crisis counselling, disaster relief programs, homelessness services, supported housing, court and prison services, family tracing services, domestic violence services, children's and youth services, hostels for young people, grief counselling, and family welfare services are just some of the assistance that they extend.

Last year alone, celebrities, like TV and radio stars Hamish Blake and Andy Lee, basketball hero Andrew Gaze, cricketers Simon Katich, Brett Lee and Mike Hussey, and TV personalities Ron Wilson, Kellie Connolly, Deborah Knight, Scott Cam and Don Burke, helped in the appeal.

The Salvos are expecting 100,000 volunteers who will mobilise around the nation for the big doorknock. However, more volunteers are needed.

People from all over Australia are encouraged to help by giving support to the 2010 appeal.

The Salvation Army Major Peter Sutcliffe said, "Without doubt there are still many Australians in the cities and the bush who are doing it tough."