Appeal ambassador Peter Caligari, who helped create the first appeal in 1980, said he could not bear to think what Ballarat would be like without the appeal.

"When you look back at the history of the appeal, it had modest beginnings but has become Ballarat's foremost appeal and Christmas time. So much has been achieve from the generosity and caring of the Ballarat community," Mr Caligari said.

"This generosity has ensure many less-fortunate families in Ballarat have something to look forward to at Christmas and, most importantly, every child gets a visit from Santa."

Mr Caligari said the appeal, with every cent raise and item donated going back into the Ballarat community, had helped "thousands upon thousands" of people. He said it could make a big boost to the city's most needy.

One Christmas Eve, late in the afternoon, a woman with three young children arrived at the radio station seeking help. Welfare agencies had closed up for the holidays and, desperate and hungry, the mum asked for help.

Mr Caligari said on Boxing Day, the mum and her children were waiting for the office to open to say thank you - to those at the station and the wider community - for the best Christmas her young family ever had.

A few years later, the family's circumstances had changed and a Christmas card would arrive at the station each festive season with a donation as thanks.

The appeal is aiming to raise about $300,000 worth of cash, toys and food across the region this season to meet a sharp rise in the number of families in need. To help, visit 3BA on Lydiard Street.

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