The Ballarat Combined Charities Christmas Card Shop, a staple of the town's festive season, is stocked and ready to open.

Its 2021 launch could not come at a better time with many hoping for lifted spirits.

However, in a sign of the times, the community tradition is ending after nearly 40 years.

Co-ordinator Denise Boyko is resigned to the enterprise's fate.

"This will definitely be our final year," she said. "There is a declining demand for cards and fewer charities providing them."

At its peak, the shop provided up to $20,000 a year in donations.

Keen to end on a high note, Christmas cards from a variety of different local, state, and national charities, such as the Ballarat Soup Bus and the Cancer Council Victoria, is available.

Thousands of cards, from traditional cards to novelty cards, are on offer. The vast majority cost a mere 60 cents, with many at 50 cents, and the most extravagant a measly $1.50.

All profits from the cards will go to the designated charities.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Notably, the service has diversified and a multitude of other items are there for purchase. While finding a suitable gift can be tricky, a trip to the shop will see the patron able to peruse an abundance of affordable treasures.

Calendars, Christmas decorations, tea towels (an ideal gift at $8.50), microwave dish cosies, aprons (a steal at $10), interesting plants, and trendy tote bags made from recycled tapestries are for sale.

Fair Trade items are also for the taking. These are made by disadvantaged women in poorer nations.

For those worried, the 40 volunteers who staff the shop are fully aware of health requirements. Visitors are asked to scan the QR code on entry or record their details. Capacity limits apply.

"We want to assure people we are COVID-safe," Pamela Foulkes, who is responsible for finances, said. "We've been very, very careful about that."

Starting October 18, the shop will be open from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm, including public holidays. In November and December, the shop will also be open on Saturdays from 10am until 1pm.

Easy parking is available as is wheelchair access.

Patrons are being encouraged to stock up because once the doors of this Ballarat institution close on December 18, they will close for good.

"The important thing this year is people should stock up and get in early because we'll sell out quickly," Ms Boyko said.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.