“We had about 170 show up to volunteer and some of them went out twice for us so we were able to cover 90 per cent of Griffith,” he said.

“We’ve still got to count through what was collected at outer areas like Bilbul but we’re really happy with the outcome so far.”

Capt Ross said it was fantastic the community was so responsive and that if anyone was missed on the day they were still able to donate at the Salvos office in Anzac Street.

“The appeal doesn’t actually close until the last week in June so we’re encouraging anyone who would like to donate to come in and see us,” he said.

“The money raised is used to meet the needs of the community for the next 12 months and there is still a great need in our area thanks to the ongoing drought.”

Support for the Red Shield Appeal came not only from a generous public but also from the supportive business community.

“Coles and Real Juice Company supplied food and juice for the day and Office Choice supplied our stationery ... so it’s great to get that kind of backing from local business,” Capt Ross said.

Money donated to The Salvation Army goes to funding the rural chaplain, homeless shelters and general welfare services like drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres.