Although located in Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital has been all too familiar for many Border and North East families over the years, providing emergency and ongoing treatment for our most seriously ill youngsters.

Each year we hear stories of parents' gratitude, not just for the lifesaving results but also for the efforts of hospital staff to make a difficult experience that little bit easier.

Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has raised more than $381 million, but this year's campaign took place among community restrictions unimaginable not so long ago.

With no tin rattling or street collections and so many recent job losses, organisers knew the 2020 appeal could be an uphill battle.

The Victorian government recognised this when it pledged to help make up the shortfall, allowing this year's overall total to reach $18.2 million.

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Last week the groups behind Albury and Wodonga's collections simply asked people to give what they could.

And while the raw dollar figures might be down in our region, there's no disputing the widespread commitment to the hospital's good work.

The virtual tin shake list includes 491 individuals/community groups along with 201 towns.

Take a look and you'll see many familiar names.

Wangaratta and District Country Fire Authority ($5433) ranked fifth among the groups by Sunday afternoon and Wodonga West CFA ($3388) was also in the top 20.

Wodonga itself was the fifth-placed town with $9111, just ahead of Corowa ($8067) and Wangaratta ($7892). Albury came in 11^th with $6641 and Corryong, Myrtleford and Yarrawonga all featured in the top 40.

Even before Good Friday, a sheep drive in Corowa a week ago raised at least $12,577 for the children's hospital, a great result under the circumstances.

The coronavirus crisis, though severe in impact, will pass one day but The Royal Children's Hospital will still be there, serving our community.

It's great to see our community helping the hospital in return.