Woolworths has partnered with Carevan this Christmas to ramp up its collection of non-perishable food, which is distributed to the disadvantaged and the homeless.

“Christmas is a tough time for families,” Carevan liaison officer Karyn Herzina said.

“Last year we distributed 160 hampers to those in need and this year we are looking at 200.

“The need just keeps increasing.

“It’s also tough after Christmas as kids go back to school and the bills continue to roll in.”

Non-perishable items like tinned fruit, shortbread, Christmas pudding, long-life milk and jelly crystals are among items Carevan would like to see donated to the appeal, which started this week.

Woolworths fund-raising co-ordinator Liza Hill encouraged Border residents to pop an item into the food bin.

She said residents could donate at seven Woolworths stores, including Wodonga, Albury, Lavington, Thurgoona and Corowa.

Ms Hill was inspired to team up with Carevan after hearing about Melbourne stores partnering with Wesley Mission Victoria.

“I thought we could come together to support a local charity,” she said.

Donations will be accepted up until Christmas Day.