SALVATION Army Portland invites the community to help out families in need at this time of year.

For the fourth year, they are running a reverse advent calendar where people give, rather than receive, gifts, with the focus squarely on food donations so more families can enjoy a hearty meal this Christmas.

The calendar is a list of non-perishable food items that can be purchased by locals and brought into the Salvation Army to be made into hampers for families who may struggle to put food on the table.

Locals can pick up a bag with a list attached to it from the Salvation Army thrift shop at 56 Percy Street or the branch at 33 Henty Street.

Captain Heather Stamp said 170 hampers were handed out to local families last year.

“We thought it was a great way for the community to give back, particularly those who would prefer not to give money,” she said.

“They don't have to use one of these bags, they can put items into their own bag or box, and they don't have to follow the list exactly either.

“If someone can only buy one thing, that's absolutely generous, and if someone can buy multiples of things, that's fantastic too.

On the list are cans of peas, fruit salad, carrots, tuna, spaghetti, soup, packets of lollies, jelly, cake mix, biscuits, bon-bons and others such as pasta, sparkling fruit juice, box of cereal, and a jar of pasta sauce.

“There's a mixture of things for people to have a nice Christmas dinner, and just everyday items that people need to be able to survive.”

Donations must be handed in before December 6, and hampers will be put together on December 11.

Families who want to apply for a Christmas hamper can come into the Salvation Army building on Henty Street and write down their details.

“Research is saying this year that one in eight Australian parents believe they’ll need to reach out for help from a charity this festive season.

“We’re really expecting the need for help to increase this year.”