Tamika French is grateful for the support she has received from the Salvation Army and says she does not know where she would be without them.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She first made contact with the Salvos through a parenting program to learn strategies and seek support raising two young children with autism.
"After having two little children close together I was in a bit of a struggle and they said well we can help you," she said.
"The support you get from them and from anyone when you walk in, is always welcoming and they will help you if they can...and they don't judge.
"If it wasn't for them I wouldn't know where I would be."
Ms French said the cost of food and living was rising but thanks to Salvos support, this Christmas would be less stressful.
"They do a lot for me, especially at Christmas time and even through the year," she said.
"They help me with (food) vouchers or anything I need, even just to chat."
Salvos is one of the four recipients receiving a share of the funds raised in The Examiner's 111th Empty Stocking Appeal this year.
Each Christmas they give away Christmas hampers, presents, gift packs and host a lunch to support struggling or disadvantaged Launcestonians.
Salvos' doorways facilitator Belinda Farley-Wills said each Christmas they had an increase of people seeking help and they tried very hard not to turn anybody away.
She said last year they helped about 150 families with gifts and each year that figure increased.
"The reality is for many of them, they have battled all through the year and Christmas is just too big to handle," she said.
"We like to think it alleviates some of that anxiety and stress that happens around Christmas time and it just enables them to sit down and have an actual proper Christmas lunch."
Ms Farley-Wills said financial donations, such as Empty Stocking, made a big difference and meant they could do a little bit extra.
The appeal has raised $23,785 so far.
Bank transfer: BSB 035822, Account 011443538. Using BPAY: Biller Code 49429, reference 0110 30091 9001443538 8.
