And for those struggling, Christmas will be even more difficult in 2020.

To help those in need, several Highlands organisations have banded together to make sure Christmas will be a happy time of year for as many people as possible.

While there is usually a community dinner held in the Highlands, this year it will be a Community Christmas Drive Through.

Those who have applied for help will be able to receive food hampers and gifts from their nominated collection agency, or from the Southern Highlands Christian School on December 23.

The Salvation Army, along with Bowral Uniting Church and the Southern Highlands Homelessness Service are among some of the local agencies getting on board to lend a helping hand.

Southern Highlands Salvation Army Captain Jake Horton said it had been great to see many different organisations working together to help make a difference.

"There's been an increase in people struggling to make ends meet," he said.

"There's been an increase in people seeking assistance but also an increase in people asking how they can help. If we're not there in the hard times, how can we expect people to support us in the good times."

The agencies have been purchasing goods but also recently received a large donation from Woolworths to help fill the food hampers.

"We're really happy we can support the community in any way we can," Mr Horton said.

"The more agencies we can get to work together, the better service we can give."

He said donations could be dropped off at Salvation Army, Argyle Housing, Bowral Uniting Church, the Mittagong RSL giving tree and the Mayoral giving tree.

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