A total of $76,195 was raised as part of the 2016 appeal with funds going directly to the Launceston Benevolent Society, the Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul and Launceston City Mission.

City Mission’s Brian Roach said the donation would help the organisation “immensely”.

“In the three weeks leading up to Christmas we helped just under 340 clients have a better Christmas and gave out over $50,000 in debt assistance and food relief,” he said.

“This of course excludes the 400 plus mouths the combined charities fed at the Launceston Community Christmas lunch held at the Albert Hall on Christmas Day. The appeal provides the funding so we can transform lives.”

Launceston Benevolent Society chief executive John Stuart said initiatives like the Empty Stocking Appeal only enhanced the services each charity provided.

“It means we can buy more gift vouchers and supplies to help the underprivileged in our society … demand is year-round for us … it’s just a huge benefit, funding like we have received this year is just fantastic,” Mr Stuart said.

While the appeal has formally wrapped up, Paul Marshall of St Vincent De Paul said the assistance went “beyond Christmas”.

“Normally January is just as busy with people that wouldn’t normally come in needing assistance,” he said.

“The greatest part is the difference it makes to people, especially to families and young children. It is great to be able to support our local community.”

The Examiner’s Empty Stocking Appeal has been running for more than 100 years.

Last year the appeal raised $57,000.