Financial strain, social issues and more can contribute to the festive season being not so jolly, with both the Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul in Leeton agreeing times are tough for many.

Representatives from St Vincent De Paul were on hand this week to receive donations of toys and goods from students at Leeton Public School. 

St Vincent De Paul Leeton conference president Margaret Hogan said every item would be highly-valued. 

“It doesn’t matter what it is, we’ll use it,” she said. 

“There are certainly many people out there struggling and this time of the year can increase that pressure on them.

“Parents are wanting to provide everything they possibly can for their children. 

“Many would love to give everything possible to their kids, but in some cases they just can’t. 

“That's the really sad part.”

The toys donated by the Leeton Public students will be put together in hampers and distributed to those that need them most in town. 

Each year the school holds its “giving tree” with all sorts of goods donated. 

Assistant principal Gena Frazer was proud of the efforts of students and families. 

“Their generosity just grows every year,” she said. 

“It’s something the children want to do and be part of.”

Leeton’s Salvation Army also conducts a Christmas appeal each year.

According to the organisation, new research has revealed 8.4 million Australians believe Christmas is a “financial nightmare”, with nearly half a million children likely to receive no presents.

The research also found 852,000 almost always feel lonely at Christmas, which enough people to fill a major sports stadium like the MCG eight times.

Leeton Major Wendy-Sue Swann said it wasn’t just Christmas when many residents struggled to cope. 

“There’s always plenty of need out there, no matter what time of the year it is,” she said. 

“We have programs year-round that can help these people. It’s a struggle that affects so many people, not just families and pensioners. We do what we can to help.”