AFL Wimmera-Mallee is donating 72 footballs to Uniting's Gifts for Families appeal, making sure children in need don't miss out this Christmas.

AFL Wimmera-Mallee region manager, Jason Muldoon, said the donation eventuated organically.

"I was in Melbourne and they had all these footballs, so I said 'I'll take those'," Muldoon said.

The acquirement of the footballs came at just the right time, AFL Wimmera-Mallee's operations manager, Jennie French, said.

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"It was perfect timing... I heard a call out on the radio asking for toys, just a little snippet and I gave Kate (Janetzki) a call," Ms French said.

"The nice part about it, is even if (the kids) have got no-one else they can kick it themselves,"

"If they've got a neighbour or a parent or a sibling they can kick it with them, but at the very least they can handball or kick it themselves, handball it along the ground and run and get it."

Uniting's executive officer Josh Koenig said he was blown away by the generosity.

"It's just great," he said.

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Uniting's Gifts For Families appeal supports disadvantaged local families by providing toys and gifts generously donated by the community.

Gifts donated at the organisation's Baillie Street office will be distributed through the Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Appeal, to children in need.

Uniting Vic.Tas Wimmera Appeal Co-ordinator Belinda Elliott said due to the impact of COVID-19, more families than ever before are expected to seek emergency assistance.

"The impact of job losses and the extended lockdown has stretched many family budgets to breaking point," Ms Elliott said.

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"While life as we know it stopped during lockdown, the bills didn't. Whether it was rent, gas, electricity or water or putting food on the table and fuel in the car, we know people have been really struggling.

"Gifts For Families is one of the highlights of every year for us - and we're determined that nobody will go without a gift this Christmas."

For volunteers, putting smiles on the faces of families and providing gifts to deserving children and young people is so rewarding, Ms Elliott said.

"We hope you, your group, school, workplace or family can support Gifts For Families and help us make sure there are gifts under every Christmas tree in our community," she said.

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